“…because of Woburn we can do things that others
cannot”
Robin, Lord Tavistock, later the 14th Duke of Bedford.
With only an estimated 45,000 Asian Elephants left in the world, the species is in grave danger. 90% of the populations in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos have been lost in the last 10 years. Against this background, elephants are becoming increasingly less viable in zoos. To thrive in captivity elephants require space which, especially in urban zoos, is in short supply. The Woburn Estate is in the privileged position of having both the expertise and the space to provide a ‘backstop’ to extinction. And that’s why we are establishing the Woburn Centre for Conservation and Education. (WCCE)
WCCE will occupy 60 acres of land adjacent to the Safari Park and will include a visitor centre, education and training facilities and, most importantly, housing and paddocks for up to 12 Asian elephants. The first of these 3 elephants – 2 females and 1 bull – are already with us and have been thriving in their new environment for some time.
Together we can all make a difference to secure the long term future of these wonderful animals and we look forward to welcoming you. In the meantime this website will keep you informed on the progress of this vitally important project. Please visit it regularly.