Bank workers hard graft for Durrell

Friday 08 August 2014

Employees from ABN AMRO Bank Jersey have been helping to improve the enclosure facilities at Durrell as part of the bank's 40th anniversary celebrations.

Four groups of staff have each volunteered their time by contributing to labour intensive tasks and improving various areas of the park. Gorilla hammock making, removing debris and cleaning/decorating the gorilla living areas were appointed to two separate groups.

The Red River Hog enclosure underwent a major refurbishment with the team shovelling 19 tons of hoggin to lay new ground cover for the hogs to enjoy. The Kirindy Kabin viewing area has also been redecorated for the enjoyment of visitors.

‘We all worked fantastically well as a team to move a large amount of gravel in a such a short period of time and gave ourselves enough time to move on to the gorilla enclosure as well. It was really hard work but thoroughly fulfilling,’ said Claire Dempsey, senior credit structuring officer.

To launch this year's partnership with Durrell, ABN AMRO Bank provided funding for two international students to take part in a 12-week DESMAN programme in May. The sponsorship part-funded the course costs, food and accommodation required for the students to participate in the scheme. The programme was designed to equip conservation professionals from underprivileged backgrounds with a range of skills to maximise their effectiveness at managing or participating in conservation projects worldwide.

In September, ABN AMRO Bank will also become the first corporate sponsor of the annual Durrell Conservation Symposium, to provide key members of Durrell and its overseas team with a chance to discuss significant developments and research projects from the previous year.