11-13 May 2007, Hilvarenbeek, the Netherlands

During the three-day event ‘Animal Event’, almost 15,000 visitors were taken back to their pets’ roots  in Safaripark Beekse Bergen, the Netherlands. Central theme was the link between pets and their wild ancestors. By means of demonstrations, interactive workshops and presentations, pet owners learned about the behaviour and needs of their favourite pet. After this, an informative tour through the safari park showed the relation and common characteristics with the pet’s origins.

Animal Event was opened by Mr Frank Petter, mayor of Woudrichem and chair of the workgroup for municipalities on Biodiversity and Countdown 2010 in Noord-Brabant. ECNC, the Province of Noord-Brabant and some other organizations set up the biodiversity pavilion. Biodiversity was seen as an ‘umbrella’ subject for Animal Event, as being the term for all different animal (read ‘pet’) species. Also, visitors of the Biodiversity Pavilion were able to become acquainted with Countdown 2010, and were warned about the worldwide decrease of biodiversity.

The first day of the event was especially for schools, and thousands of school children visited the Biodiversity Pavilion. Their assignment was to write down what biodiversity means (to them), which resulted in lots of interesting discussions. To some it only meant ‘lots of different girls’ and ‘that we love all animals’, but to others awareness raised about the ecosystem services and our dependence on biodiversity. Hopefully, some visitors went home realizing that biodiversity is the root of our existence and of their pet.

For more information please contact Hanneke Wijnja.