Ranomafana National Park, located in southeastern Madagascar, is one of the most biologically diverse and ecologically significant areas in the world. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Rainforests of the Atsinanana, the park plays a critical role in protecting Madagascar’s unique flora and fauna, much of which is found nowhere else on Earth. Home to critically endangered species like the golden bamboo lemur (Hapalemur aureus), the park serves as a vital refuge for wildlife threatened by habitat loss, deforestation, and climate change. Its lush rainforests and complex ecosystems also contribute significantly to global biodiversity, offering unparalleled opportunities for research, conservation, and education. Beyond its ecological importance, Ranomafana National Park is integral to the local economy, providing jobs through eco-tourism and research initiatives while fostering a sense of stewardship among surrounding communities.

The Seneca Park Zoo has a long-standing and deeply impactful relationship with Dr. Patricia Wright, the renowned primatologist who was instrumental in the creation of Ranomafana National Park. As a long-time partner in conservation, the zoo has supported Dr. Wright’s efforts to protect Madagascar’s unique biodiversity, particularly through research and public engagement. Dr. Wright’s groundbreaking discovery of the golden bamboo lemur in 1986 catalyzed international attention and led to the establishment of Ranomafana as a protected area in 1991. Since then, her work has inspired countless conservation initiatives worldwide, including programs with the Seneca Park Zoo that emphasize the importance of protecting Madagascar’s fragile ecosystems.
The formation of Centre ValBio, a state-of-the-art research facility at the edge of Ranomafana National Park, is one of the most significant outcomes of Dr. Wright’s work. Founded in 2003, the center has become a hub for conservation science, education, and community engagement. It provides a base for researchers from around the globe to study Madagascar’s biodiversity and develop strategies for its preservation. The Seneca Park Zoo has been a proud supporter of Centre ValBio, contributing to its mission by funding research, fostering collaborations, and raising awareness about Madagascar’s conservation challenges. Through this partnership, the Zoo has helped bridge the gap between local communities and global conservation efforts, demonstrating the power of collaboration in protecting our planet’s most extraordinary habitats.


A devastating wildfire continues to threaten the area west of Ranomafana National Park in Madagascar, particularly the village of Vohiparara, a community with which Centre ValBio and its partners, including the Seneca Park Zoo, have worked closely for years. Despite the presence of a cyclone in the north of Madagascar, much-needed rains have not reached the southern regions, allowing the fire to spread further. The destruction has been heart-wrenching, with reports of scorched endemic wildlife such as Brookesia chameleons, land snails, frogs, and even displaced dwarf lemurs fleeing the flames.
In response, Centre ValBio and Madagascar National Parks are leading a collaborative firefighting effort, mobilizing over 500 people, including local community groups from Ifanadiana, Kelilalina, Ranomafana, Ambatovaky, Vohiparara, and Amboditanimena, along with park rangers, gendarmes, and military personnel. Volunteers are working tirelessly in challenging conditions, and local women are preparing meals for firefighters deep in the forest. To support these critical efforts, the Seneca Park Zoo has just sent $10,000 to assist with firefighting resources, food supplies, and community support. This funding is helping sustain the volunteers as they battle to protect the people, wildlife, and ecosystems that make Ranomafana a globally important conservation area.
Written by Director of Programming & Conservation Action, Tom Snyder