Painted lady (Vanessa cardui)

After holding the meetings to assess the projects submitted to the call for proposals for 2018 for the Snowflake grant (14th edition), the Antoni Jonch grant (6th edition) and the PRIC Research & Conservation grants (10th edition), these grants were awarded:

PRIC GRANTS (10th edition)

Total financial endowment:    € 62,000

Of the 35 proposals submitted to the call for 2018 Research & Conservation grants, and after the assessment conducted by members of the jury to evaluate the grants and financial aids to develop research and conservation projects, in accordance with the criteria established in the rules for this call, this year a total of nine grants were awarded to these projects:

1. Great Ape Reintroduction Synthesis

         Gregg Tully, PASA (Pan African Sanctuary Alliance)

2. Ecology of movement of the yellow-headed gull (Larus michahellis) and its relationship to the spreading of pathogens in urban areas

         Tomàs Montalvo, Barcelona Public Health Agency

3. Jaibul Island: establishment of a biological field station and conducting of activities for research and protection of its biodiversity

         Rosa Garriga, Friends of Tacugama Association

4. Mediterranean butterflies meet the lions: an African monitoring network to study and preserve trans-Saharan migrations

         Gerard Talavera, IBE (Institut de Biologia Evolutiva) - CSIC

5. Effect of poaching and the illegal meat trade of wild animals on the primate populations in Uganda

         Ignasi Marco, Autonomous University of Barcelona

6. Study of the presence of diclofenac and other anti-inflammatory drugs in blood samples of the Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus)

         gnasi Marco, Autonomous University of Barcelona

7. Action plan for the recovery of the European polecat (Mustela putorius) in Catalonia

         Salvador Salvador, University of Girona

8. Spatial ecology of the blue shark Prionace glauca in the Western Mediterranean: acquisition of new knowledge via the use of sensors, trophic markers and ecosystemic models

         Joan Navarro, ICM (Institut de Ciències del Mar) - CSIC

9. Satellite tracking of movement patterns of the family groups of chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra)

          Oscar Cabezón, Autonomous University of Barcelona

SNOWFLAKE GRANT (14th edition)

Financial endowment: € 9,000

Of the nine applications submitted to the call for proposals for the 2018 Snowflake grant, and after the assessment conducted by members of the jury in accordance with the criteria established in the rules for this call, this year the project selected for the grant this year was:

Urgent conservation surveys for the endangered Ashy red colobus monkey (Piliocolobus tephrosceles) in unprotected areas of Tanzania

Julius KIbaja, University of Oslo

ANTONI JONCH GRANT (6th edition)

Financial endowment: € 6,000

Of the eight applications submitted to the call for proposals for the 2018 Antoni Jonch grant, and after the assessment conducted by members of the jury in accordance with the criteria established in the rules for this call, this year the project selected for the grant this year was:

The populations of wildcats (Felis silvestris) in Catalonia: effect of habitat and the presence of domestic cats on their conservation status

Ferran Sayol, Naturalists Group of Osona

Our congratulations to all winners and participants!

Very recently—on 30 August—a new gorilla baby was born at the Zoo: always a source of great happiness for those working to preserve endangered species, especially the large primates, animals who are so closely related to us!

The parents of the little gorilla boy or girl—we still do not know its gender because the mother holds onto the baby tightly day and night—are Ntua and Ebobo. This is not Ntua’s first baby, and her experience is very obvious because she has been taking good care of her offspring since the very beginning. Virunga, the baby’s sister, remains close to them at all times and the entire group is very relaxed and calm. Ebobo, who is the leader, is also nearby at all times to make sure nothing threatens his family, especially the newest member. Mother and baby are in perfect condition and can be seen along with the rest of the group in their exhibit, across from the chimpanzees.

The Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) is critically endangered and the Barcelona Zoo participates in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) to conserve this species ex situ (outside of its natural habitat) to contribute to saving these animals, which could unfortunately disappear in nature very soon.

Saturday 15 September, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus is organising —with the collaboration of the Zoo— The Day with the Most Heart, devoted to combating children’s heart disease, an initiative by the Paediatric Cardiology Service at this hospital.

Everybody who would like to show their support and compassion for this worthy cause can buy their DISCOUNT TICKETS* and come to the Zoo! Part of the funds will be donated to research into these diseases, as will the money raised via merchandising, which can be bought throughout the day at the park.

Research into children’s heart disease is essential for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to assist in finding cures for these diseases. We are extremely pleased to be able to help this prestigious health centre in our city to conduct its important work in the field of research.

* Tickets only on sale online in advance!