Preservation Station, is a non-profit organisation that focusses on the conservation of endangered species. They are involved in a project that aims to save the barbary lion, a subspecies of lion which is now extinct in the wild.

The barbary lion was long thought to be extinct, until a small collection of animals was discovered that was captured in the wild before the last barbary lion was shot in the wild. Currently, attempts are being made to breed these remaining lions at Rabat Zoo and Port Lympne animal park.

Also, scientists at Oxford University are studying the skeletal remains of barbary lions from museums and universities across Europe in hopes of identifying the barbary lion's DNA profile so the animals can be tested for their genetic qualities.

However there are too little supposedly 'purebred' barbary lions left to create a viable population. Preservation Station is therefore searching for lions that show barbary lion characteristics, so they can be DNA-tested and, if they indeed have barbary blood, eventually be included in the breeding programme to prevent inbreeding.

The lions Monty and Jemima displayed strong barbary lion characteristics. Their surviving offspring, could be of great importance to the programme. For now, this offspring would be listed in Preservation Station's directory to be tested when the DNA-profile of the barbary lion is determined and the breeding programme requires fresh, 'outside' blood.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Barbara Breedveld, Volunteer for Preservation Station at [email protected]. or visit the following sites about the barbary lion programme: www.barbarylion.com (the website of Preservation Station)