insideKENT Magazine Issue 53 - August 2016 | Page 154

CHARITY KENT CHARITY PROFILE: The Aspinall Foundation The Aspinall Foundation actively works with a number of different projects that all go towards the conversation of endangered animals. This month, insideKENT’s Lisamarie Lamb asked the foundation more about what they do… What is it that The Aspinall Foundation does exactly, and why is it so important? Reintroduction – We actively reintroduce endangered animals to their natural habitat. Rehabilitation – We rescue and rehabilitate animals ready to return to the wild. Community engagement – We work with local communities to manage conservation areas. Anti-poaching – We work closely with local governments to combat wildlife crime. Captive breeding – We support breeding projects at our wild animal parks, Howletts, near Canterbury and Port Lympne, near Ashford. How many animals have you helped over the years? We have reintroduced more than 60 gorillas into the freedom of a protected area of the wild in Africa. We have also successfully returned black rhino, Javan langurs, a Javan gibbon, Przewalski horses and European bison. 156 How much do you aim to raise each year? We aim to raise £1 million each year to continue our vital conservation work in Kent and our overseas projects. How do you raise money, and do you have any upcoming events that our readers can join in with? The Aspinall Foundation raises money through regular donations from the general public. Donations came be made by direct debit, online