Regenwald auf der Masoala-Halbinsel in Madagaskar.

20.09.2026 — Lebensraumschutz

One million trees planted

As part of our Masoala nature conservation project, we have planted over a million seedlings in Madagascar over the past ten years. These young plants play an important role.

In pictures: from bare ground to green forest

The starting point: a view of a cleared area where rainforest will grow again in the future. Image: Zoo Zurich, Martin Bauert

The beginning: we grow plants in nurseries. Image: Zoo Zurich, Martin Bauert

The journey: staff ensure that the young plants grow and thrive in the nurseries. Image: Zoo Zurich, Martin Bauert

Back in the forest: staff from the Masoala project plant the seedlings in their intended location. Image: Zoo Zurich, Martin Bauert

Over the past ten years, we have planted more than one million seedlings in nine different reforestation projects in the Masoala-Makira region in northeastern Madagascar. These seedlings are essential for reforesting destroyed rainforest.

The new trees are reconnecting the forest fragments that had been separated by deforestation. This is important for rainforest animals. They need to be able to mix with one another to ensure genetic exchange. This, in turn, makes wild animal populations more stable.

«Through reforestation, we unite fragmented forest areas—and reconnect what belongs together.»

Severin Dressen, Director of Zoo Zurich

Through our reforestation efforts, we are also reintroducing important native tree species, such as ebony and rosewood, into the forests. These species have nearly disappeared due to the illegal trade in tropical hardwoods.

Get involved!

Become a part of our Masoala conservation project. We promise that every franc donated will go entirely toward the project.

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Discover the Masoala conservation project

For over thirty years, we have been working in the Masoala region of Madagascar to support our local partners in their efforts to preserve the rainforest. In doing so, we work closely with the Masoala National Park and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

Our local team

  • Hasina Rabe, Biodiversitätsmanager im Naturschutzprojekt Masoala und Naturschutzbotschafter des Zoo Zürich.

    Hasina Rabe

    Biodiversity Manager for the Masoala Conservation Project

  • Najoroniaina Raharimalala, Leiterin Umweltbildung bei WCS Madagascar.

    Najoroniaina Raharimalala

    Head of Environmental Education at the Masoala Conservation Project

  • Jelovien Randriamanantena, Primatologe im Naturschutzprojekt Masoala des Zoo Zürich.

    Jelovien Randriamanantena

    Primatologist at the Masoala Conservation Project

  • Manjary Andriatstohaina, Naturschutz-Koordinator der WCS Madagascar.

    Manjary Andriatstohaina

    Conservation Coordinator at the Masoala Conservation Project

Two Places, One Goal

As a conservation organization, we protect animal species and habitats—both at the zoo and around the world. We have been active in Madagascar since 1995 with the Masoala Conservation Project in the Masoala region. And at the zoo, we’ve had our Masoala Rainforest. They belong together, because on-site habitat protection and the conservation of endangered animal species at the zoo go hand in hand.

Regenwald auf der Masoala-Halbinsel in Madagaskar.

Our hearts beat for nature—and for Madagascar’s unique rainforest. Image: Zoo Zurich, Martin Bauert

  • Education
  • Research
  • Species Conservation
  • Blick aus der Luft auf einen Teil des Nouabalé-Ndoki-Nationalparks (NNNP) im Kongo.HabitatsWe protect nature – locally and globally
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