The purpose of Tropikariet, like other zoos, is to contribute to the conservation of endangered species, participate in research and spread knowledge and commitment about animals and nature.
We currently support an international and a national conservation project. We are at the disposal of universities and other tertiary institutions that conduct research projects related to animals and conservation. On this page you can read more about what projects we are currently involved in.
Madagascar Project – Mikajy Natiora
On northwest side of Madagascar, the organization Mikajy Natiora works to protect the forests where one of the world’s most endangered primates, the iconic blue-eyed black lemur (Eulemur flavifrons), and many other endangered species are found. The organization works, among other things, to educate the local population, create alternative means of livelihood, reforestation and wildlife research.
Every quarter, Tropikariet donates a part of the entrance proceeds to Mikajy Natiora, which means that you as a visitor are very much involved and contribute to the conservation work in Madagascar. Among other things, the donations have contributed to the construction of a research station and to hire park rangers to protect and monitor wildlife in the forest.
Supporting a local project, with whom we also have direct contact with, means that no money disappears to, sometimes costly, intermediaries. Everything goes directly to Mikajy Natiora’s important conservation work.
We have also made it possible for our visitors to donate with Swish through a QR code. All donations go in full to the important work Mikajy Natiora is doing to protect Madagascar’s biodiversity. At Tropikariet there are signs about the project in the entrance as well as in our Madagascar exhibit.
For more information about the project, visit
Nature conservation project in collaboration with the County Administrative Board of Skåne for the long-term benefit of the sand lizard (Lacerata agilis)
In 2023, our collaboration with the County Administrative Board of Skåne will start, where Tropikariet will contribute with labor for nature conservation efforts in western Skåne. In the first step, we will carry out cleaning work after clearing that has been carried out to benefit the local flora as well as sand-living and pollinating insects. The hope is that the area that has been cleared will become a new habitat for the endangered sand lizard. Tropikariet will also carry out inventory and monitor the population of sand lizards in nearby areas. The collaboration is long-term and new conservation efforts will take place as they are needed.
EAZA's Endangered Species Program
In addition to the above work, Tropikariet in Helsingborg has the following species anchored in various ex-situ projects for endangered species within the European zoo organization EAZA. These animal species all have an expert team led by a species coordinator who develop and implement their management strategies.
EEP – European Endangered Species Programmes
Radiated tortoise Astrochelys radiata
Senegal bushbaby Galago senegalensis
Sunda slow lori Nycticebus coucang
Gray-handed night monkey Aotus griseimembra
ESB – European StudBook
Blacktip reef shark Carcharhinus melanopterus
African dwarf crocodile Osteolaemus tetraspis
Research projects - Lund University
Since 2022, Tropikariet has collaborated with a research group from Lund University. The group studies the behavior and mental capacity of several different animal species, especially reptiles such as turtles and lizards. At Tropikariet, the research team studies, among others, our red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria). All studies conducted at Tropikariet are non-invasive and can be seen as environmental enrichment for the animals as they get the opportunity to use their capabilities to solve problems.
It is scientifically proven that humans are more likely to support the conservation of animal groups similar to us. The research therefore hopes to show similarities in the mental abilities of reptiles and humans and thus influence the perception of these animals in a positive way and contribute to their conservation.
