Conservation, Education and Research
Connecting people and wildlife by effectively communicating and demonstrating our role in
Conservation, Education and Research.
INTRODUCTION:
Tayto Park has an increasingly important role to serve animals and their habitats, which are under
threat to survive. Global ecosystems are under significant stress, and the degradation of Earth’s
natural resources continues to rise at an alarming rate. Our ecological footprint; a measurement of
natural resource consumption indicates that humans have been living beyond their means since
1987. Biocapacity used per person averages 2.2 hectares globally; at this rate of consumption the
planet has a carrying capacity for 5.1 billion people not the 6.5 billion currently supported or the 9
billion estimated population in 2050. The impact of climate change, habitat degradation,
fragmentation and unprecedented population growth demands that zoo’s must have a strategic
approach to conservation, education and research. As wilderness evaporates before our very eyes,
more animals and habitats will require management and “21st Century” modern zoos are at the
forefront of this much needed movement, with a growing focus on broader conservation, with longterm investment in the health of our biodiversity both in-situ and ex-situ.
Our collection, includes species such as the Amur leopard and tiger which are under the threat of
extinction in the wild, where the captive population is managed through the European Endangered
Species Program (EEP). The collection also includes ambassador species, such as our barn owl, whose
educational value enable us to support efforts of conservation organizations on the ground in
Ireland working to improve this Red-listed species numbers in the wild. There are also species that
connect with visitors, and while they may be of Least Concern rating at the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN), bonds are created with our visitors that allow us to stimulate
learning, and encourage one to think about the greater environment around them. Our collection is
also home to recovery species such as our bald eagles, which help us illustrate the success of
conservation organizations working in conjunction with governing bodies to protect endangered
species and the positive outcomes which result; such as the de-listing of the Bald Eagle.
Tayto Park understands that for many visitors, their first
encounter with a wild animal is at a zoo; the longevity
and effect of the impact of that visit, comes down to
their experience. Tayto Park strives to be a leader in
animal care and wellbeing while actively promoting
conservation, education and research. We will involve
our visitors and the surrounding community in the
important work of protecting biodiversity. We will
constantly strive, to actively engage our visitors. This
will be achieved not only when visiting our park, but
interacting with our newly developed website, as well
as, learning about our accomplishments through media
and reports available to our members.
Our vision is to embody the ethos of the modern day
zoo in every capacity, providing exceptional encounters
with wildlife, communicating and leading by example
our role in conservation and research. Further it is our
desire to inspire and motivate our visitors to participate
in the conservation of biodiversity in their backyard and
beyond.
CONSERVATION PROGRAMMES:
Tayto Park is steadfast in our commitment to conservation both locally and globally. It is our goal to
connect people with nature, and to inform, empower and inspire people to act. We have put
together programmes highlighting local and global conservation issues. Many of our programs are
spearheaded by our own dedicated professionals. In other cases, Tayto Park supports programs
globally led by renowned conservation organizations and experts. We form partnerships to prevent
further degradation of our planets biodiversity.
Following is an overview of the current programs underway at Tayto Park:

Irish Pollinator Initiative in connection with National Biodiversity Data Centre
Tayto Park joined the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) and their citizen science project
known as the Bumblebee Monitoring Scheme which was established in 2011. As Ireland's most
significant wild pollinator, this scheme was developed as a long-term project to track changes and
detect early warning signs of general threats to bumblebees and the service they provide. Research
by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) estimate that of the some 100 crops
species that provide 90% of the food worldwide 71 are bee-pollinated crops. The economic impact
of the loss of pollinators is worth about 153 billion globally, per year, according to European Union
funded research. Pollinators such as bumblebees require our investment and stewardship in order
to sustain and protect our native species.
In 2013, the Tayto Park transect was set up to include three monitored routes. The areas selected
for our routes consist of natural hedgerows, immature woodland and two areas with artificial ponds
and lakes, flower beds, borders, ornamental and non-native shrubs. Between May and October of
this year, we identified many species including Bombas Lucorum, Bombus pascuorom, Bombas
terrestris, Bombas lapidaries, Bombas sylvestris and Bombus pratorum. The most prolific sightings
were of the common carder Bombus pascuorum followed by Bombus lucorum the white-tailed
bumblebee, both species are widespread and common throughout Ireland. This is a long term
project which Tayto Park will continue to be actively involved for the coming years.
(Photo: White-tailed bumblebee (Bombas lucorum) by John Breen)

NBDC Butterfly Monitoring Scheme
Tayto Park rangers were also involved in the citizen science
project at NBDC tracking changes to Irish butterfly
populations. Butterflies are important pollinators as well as
a food source to birds and animals, with a short lifecycle
and their sensitivity to climate and environmental change
they are an ideal biodiversity indicator species. NBDC
began their Butterfly Monitor Scheme in 2007. The scheme
involves walking a fixed route each week from August to
September and recording species sightings. The data collected from this scheme is used for analyses
and trend projection. In 2013, Tayto Park developed our three routes in and around the park. In
2014, we will efficiently monitor on a weekly basis and record species. The majority of recorded
sightings to date were of the small tortoiseshell, large and small white, peacock and meadow brown.
 Bat Conservation Ireland
Bat Conservation Ireland promotes the conservation of bats by circulating educational materials,
hosting talks and leading bat walks. Additionally, Bat Conservation Ireland, organizes nationwide
surveys and monitoring of bats. Tayto Park was very pleased to have Tina Augney, present a slide
show for our visitors, during our Conservation Fundraising Weekend in 2013. Next season we are
delighted to host a bat walk in August with Tina at Tayto Park. Additionally, Tayto Park will set up
regional training nights during the summer which include 2 half-day lectures and 2 half-nights of bat
detecting. Selected rangers will take part in training as well as local members
from the Meath region, those attending will become well versed in surveying
techniques, proper use of the detector and monitoring methods focusing on
data and species using the park environs.
We have also enlisted the help and support of Tina Augney to consult with us
on bat roosting sites to be retrofitted to some of the existing buildings and to
be included in the plans for new outbuilding to be erected throughout the
park. Tina’s expertise is welcomed, and the partnership with Bat Conservation Ireland will enable
Tayto Park to contribute in a meaningful way to the conservation of local species.
Tayto Park will continue to support Bat Conservation Ireland monetarily with our dedicated
fundraising and membership drives. We were extremely pleased to donate €750.00 to this
wonderful charity in 2013 and were delighted learn that the funds have been earmarked to develop
a children’s website learnaboutbats.com.

Amur leopard and Tiger Alliance (ALTA)
Spearheading a number of conservation initiatives while working on reintroduction planning is the
Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance (ALTA); a coalition of 15 international and Russian NGO’s. Some of
the organizations which make up this coalition include; the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), World
Wildlife Fund (WWF), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the European Endangered Species
Program (EEP), Wildlife Vets International (WVI) and the Phoenix Fund. 100% of the donations made
to ALTA go directly to field work, such as conducting camera trap activities in the Nezhinskoe
Hunting Lease, located in the Northern sector of the Land of the Leopard National Park (LLNP).
Donations have enabled areas surveyed by the ALTA team to double in size, and now cover the
northern section of the leopard range both within the LLNP and outside the park. In addition,
funding enables the team to use camera trap results to access the on-going anti-pouching efforts on
the ground in southwest Primorye.
To date Tayto Park has donated in excess of €10,000.00 to ALTA and the park was among the Top 5
zoo contributors in 2012. This was made possible through our combined efforts of manufacturing
and distributing ALTA t-shirts, ranger presentations involving our Amur leopards, and collection
points for donations throughout the park. Tayto Park was able to raise in excess of 5,000.00 in 2013
alone, and we will continue to support this important conservation organization for as long as
funding is needed for the critically endangered Amur leopard. In 2014, our efforts will be focused on
providing educational materials to over 20,000 school tour students. This will include ranger
presentations with our Amur leopards, highlighting the plight as well as the hope for the successful
reintroduction of this big cat in the Russian Far East. Further, we will maintain collection points for
donations throughout the park and have planned to redesign our ALTA t-shirt for the 2014 season in
an effort to increase sales of this important merchandise.

Golden Eagle Trust (GET)
Founded in 1999 the Golden Eagle Trust Limited is a charity dedicated to the conservation and
restoration of Ireland’s native birds and habitats. We have been working with Dr. Marc Ruddock on a
variety of programmes. Our relationship began retailing a range of GET merchandise in our gift shops
which enabled us to generate vital funding for the conservation programme. We raised €828.00 in
merchandise in 2012/13 which has been presented to GET. Additionally, we determined that GET
would be one of our Conservation Fundraising Partners as the Red Kite Reintroduction is a
programme that both local and regional residents are able, to fully, appreciate. Red Kites were
extinct in Ireland for over 200 years and with great appreciation to those at GET, Red Kites have
been reintroduced and now local, and regional residents near Tayto Park have the opportunity to
see one of these magnificent birds flying overhead. Thanks to satellite tracking we know that B3
“Hera” has been flying around Ashbourne and Swords. Without fundraising and contributions;
satellites, continued research and monitoring of the reintroduced Red Kites would not be feasible. In
2013, we raised €3000.00 in donations which was presented to GET this fall in hopes that
contributions such as this will allow them to continue their important work.
The Golden Eagle Trust has also been generous enough to provide educational materials for our
Primary Outreach Education Programme “Wildlife on Wheels”. With the completion of our Discovery
Centre, we will host talks with Dr. Marc Rudduck so that he may update visitors on the progress of
the Red Kite Reintroduction Programme as well as the Responsible Rodenticide Use Programme and
further programs spearheaded by the Golden Eagle Trust.
CONSERVATION FUNDRAISING DRIVES:
The Tayto Park Conservation Fund has been established as a response to climate change and the
competition for natural resources both of which have left animals and plants exposed to a very
difficult road ahead. Funding is critical for researchers working hard to conserve and protect the
world’s endangered species. Tayto Park believes that taking a focused approach to wildlife
conservation and identifying programs where our impact can be significant will help smooth the
road for the survival and sustainability of our wildlife.
In September 2013, Tayto Park launched the first of what will be an ongoing Annual Conservation
Fundraising Weekend. Proceeds from this two day conservation fundraising event were earmarked
for some of Ireland’s crucial defenders of wildlife, raising a total of €6000.00 for our important
conservation partners, The Golden Eagle Trust, Bat Conservation Ireland, Amur leopard and Tiger
Alliance, Irish Seal Sanctuary and the Tayto Park Conservation Fund.
We kicked off the weekend with an interactive meet and greet with our new education animals. Our
visitors were delighted with the opportunity to get up close and personal with our specially selected
educational animals which include vertebrate and invertebrates from around the globe.
Visitors were also treated to an exciting presentation on husbandry training and enrichment
exercises with our two Amur tigers, Gara and Kahn. They were able to watch our expert rangers
utilize target training, which through positive reinforcement, animals voluntarily participate in
veterinary visits, allow rangers to view animals gait, paws, pads and dorsal surfaces. Thus allowing
our animals to receive the best care through willing involvement in the process. This form of
enrichment presents a challenge and affords them the opportunity to earn a reward and gave our
visitors a look behind the scenes into the life of our animals and rangers alike.
Special guest speakers from local organizations included Tina Aughney, bat specialist and ecologist
from Bat Conservation Ireland who gave a wonderful power point presentation and lecture on
Ireland’s native bat population.
Dr. Úna Fitzpatrick, from the National Biodiversity Data Centre also joined us on Sunday afternoon.
Úna has set up various citizen science initiatives on the conservation of Irish plants and pollinators,
and she presented an informative update of the bee monitoring scheme in Ireland and the
importance of biodiversity. Visitors were also treated to a short presentation from Irish Seal
Sanctuary (ISS); a charity dedicated to providing shelter, treatment and rehabilitation for marine and
other wildlife and visitors were thrilled to learn about marine life around coastal Ireland.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES:
Through our educational programs, Tayto Park encourages visitors to take the initiative in protecting
their natural world. To facilitate this Tayto Park provides relevant material to guests of all ages
through a number of innovative educational programme including our newly developed primary
education outreach “Wildlife on Wheels”, Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate Ecology Modules
(lectures and field work), our Transition Year Conservation and Stewardship Programme as well as
our popular Team Building and Science Programme. In addition, we offer a unique fun day out for
primary schools across the nation with our heavily attended School Tour Programme which includes
a guided tour, educational worksheets, and adventure activities.
The fall 2013 school term kicked off with great reception from primary and secondary schools. Upon
commencement of the school term, numerous visits to schools had already taken place including
complementary visits to our two local schools Ashbourne Community and Curragha. In addition, this
year we have modified classes to include a biodiversity themed class for 1st year Secondary students
at participating Green schools. We explore what biodiversity means, how biodiversity enables us to
survive, investigate threats to biodiversity such as climate change and end with ideas for change and
what we can individually and collectively do to help sustain our rich local and global biodiversity. In
addition, as a response to the growing interest in our Adventure Activities for Team Building we have
developed a Transition Year (TY) module that includes a full day of activities carefully selected to
engage our students, encourage them to work together as a team, problem solve as well as develop
communication and leadership skills. The programme also includes a scavenger hunt where students
much work together to discover biological and geographical information about our animal collection.
Planning permission for our purpose built Discovery Centre and classroom will be submitted in
January. We anticipate that the classroom and educational centre will be open for visitors in the
summer of 2014. The Discovery Centre will serve as our headquarters for educational programs and
our classroom, in the meantime we are utilizing the Sky lounge which holds 40 students comfortably
for all lectures and presentations.
A detailed schedule of programmes on offer:

Informal Education
Our Discovery Centre will serve as a hub for our informal education programs such as BIAZA themed
events Big Bug Bonanza as well as our role in BioBlitz, the UN Decade of Biodiversity 2011-2020,
World Tiger Day, Earth Day and other important international conservation events. The centre will
feature specially designed interactive displays for our visitors to view encouraging them to engage in
important global events celebrating the conservation of our biodiversity. The Discovery Centre will
give us an all-weather building for featured ranger talks and presentations which will further
complement our existing impromptu rangers talk held around the parks animal enclosures. Our
informal education and Discovery Centre will become an attraction for visitors in its own right and
will serve as a portal to global conservation efforts carried out by dedicated conservation
organizations.

Primary Education - Outreach Classes
Tayto Park provides an educational programme to enhance the school’s curriculum and inspire
students. Our education outreach brings the zoo to you with “Wildlife on Wheels” an enquiry-based
programme that include the use of live animals, biofacts (nature-based teaching tools) and activities.
We are committed to educating students about wildlife, their habitats and what humans can do to
conserve and protect our environment.
Courses and linked to the Social Environmental and Scientific Education (SESE) curriculum in both
Science and Geography. Strands: Living Things, the Natural Environment and Environmental
Awareness and Care. Stand Units: Plants and animals, Myself, The local natural environment and
Caring for my locality. Skill development: Questioning, Observing and Analysing.
Animal Discoveries – Assembly Style (All Classes 1st – 6th)
 Meet our live animal education ambassadors.
 Critical questions will be directed at the group: What kind of animal is this? What covers this
animals’ body? Does this animal look like other animals? What colours can you see on the
animal? If this animal was your pet how would you care for it?
 Learn about animals from different families and discuss how each animal may survive in
their habitat. Learn how plants and animals depend on each other and their physical
environment.
Irish Wildlife Explored (Individual Classroom) Program for 1st & 2nd, 3rd & 4th and 5th & 6th
 Explore Ireland’s native wildlife from the extinct grey wolf and Irish brown bear to Red listed
species such as the red squirrel and barn owl, learn about Ireland’s only reptile; the common
lizard and find out fascinating facts about our endangered amphibian the natterjack toad.
 Students will discover how and why for the first time in over 200 years White-tailed Sea
Eagles, Red Kites and Golden Eagles are making a comeback in Ireland. Worksheets and
activities are kindly provided by The Golden Eagle Trust, students will learn about this
incredible organization which is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of Ireland’s
native birds and habitats.
Biodiversity Exposed: (Individual Classroom) 4th, 5th & 6th
 2011-2020 marks the United Nations Decade of Biodiversity. Countries around the globe are
stepping up and doing their part to save the variety of life on earth - students will learn
about this important initiative.
 We will explore what biodiversity means, how biodiversity enables us to survive, investigate
threats to biodiversity such as climate change and end with ideas for change. We will discuss
what we can individually and collectively to help sustain our rich local and global
biodiversity.

Secondary Education Programme:
Junior Certificate (1st to 3rd Year)
 Woodland Ecology Module
3 hours. Includes lecture, habitat study, results and write-up.
 Grassland Ecology Module
3 hours. Includes lecture, habitat study, results and write-up.
 Our Duty of Care – Civil Social and Political Education - Junior Cert Action Project
3 ½ hours. Includes guided tour, lecture and worksheet exercise.
Transition Year
 Conservation and Stewardship
3 ½ hours. Includes guided tour, lecture and worksheet exercise.
 Team Building
Length of activity is based on number of students but will not be less than 2 ½ hours.
Our specially designed Team Building Programme introduces students to problem solving,
the value of communication, encourages one to face their fears and strives to develop
leadership skills. Tayto Park combines exciting and fun activities in our adventure zone, zipline, sky walk and climbing walls with mind maze activities which include; gathering details
and keys from clues, answering questions about the animal species in our collection;
including information about their biology, ecology and geographical locations in the wild.
Leaving Certificate (5th and 6th Year)
 Woodland Ecology Module
3 ½ hours. Includes lecture, habitat study and results and write-up.
 Grassland Ecology Module
3 ½ hours. Includes lecture, habitat study and results and write-up.
 Conservation and Stewardship
3 ½ hours. Includes lecture, guided tour and worksheet exercise
Testimonials for Tayto Park’s Educational Outreach Programme:
Ashbourne Community School
“On Wednesday 25th September, 2013, I organised a Green Schools Action Day to promote “Biodiversity” among the school
community. As part of this Jessica Harley of Tayto Park presented a workshop using powerpoint presentation and
biodiversity was especially emphasised by the collection of animals she brought with her from Tayto Park.
The day itself was an astounding success with all 205 First Year students benefitting hugely from the variety of expertise
and knowledge available to them from a range of sources. The centrepiece of the day, however, was certainly Jessica’s
presentation.
Jessica’s enthusiasm, knowledge and energy sparked interest in the most passive students. She has an ability to engage
with and draw in even the most casual of observers into the fascinating world of flora and fauna. She made a fantastic
impression on all staff and students and will be warmly welcomed back here to further promote the gospel of biodiversity
and the need for us all to live in harmony with all other organisms on the planet. It is her life experience and passion that
shines through.
We look forward with great enthusiasm to welcoming Jessica back to Ashbourne Community School again!”
Irene Hughes
Green Schools Co-ordinator
Ashbourne Community School
Scoil Aindréis Naofa
Currach Áth, Cill Dheagláin,
Co na Mí
Tayto Park Education Programme
Testimonial from St. Andrew’s National School
Teacher Feedback:
 Thank you Jessica for a wonderful morning. Your presentation from Tayto Park was
fantastic. It captivated the children, held their attention and they came away from it with
a much better understanding of the animal kingdom. The talk was visual, interactive and
fun and catered for all learning styles. The excitement before and after the talk was
wonderful to see in the infant faces. It was the “Highlight of the week”.
 Excellent age appropriate workshops which appealed to all class groups from Infants
through to 6th class. The interactive format was engaging, exciting and memorable for all
pupils. We highly recommend the Tayto Park Education Programme for primary schools.
Truly a day to remember!
RESEARCH:
 Research completed in 2013
“A review of the proposed reintroduction program of the Far Eastern leopard (Panthera
pardus orientalis) and the Role of Conservation Organisations, Veterinarians and Zoos”. Coauthored by our Education Programme Manager, Jessica Harley is a topical review published
2013 in Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, a North American Veterinary Journal
published by Elsevier Inc.
 Research Programme University College Dublin 2013/2014:
Tayto Park is currently participating in a research programme with University College Dublin
with onsite research set to commence in March 2014. Masters students will take part in
pilot studies in behaviour as well as assist in the orchestration and execution of an
environmental survey; with a view to developing a comprehensive habitat management
plan for both the parklands and newly purchased undeveloped land. Results of the pilot
programme will allow us to produce research data that will enable us to pursue a funded
research project, these pilots will give us the necessary evidence and data to make educated
and informed decisions on projects we want to further explore and develop. We are
working with Favel Naulty, Mammal Research Group at the School of Biology and
Environmental Science from UCD. Discussions will be ongoing to ensure that we formulate
strategic research projects to accommodate both our needs and the availability of UCD’s
two Masters’ programs students in both Conservation and Environmental Science.