The Lucie Burgers Foundation is committed to behavioural research in animals. The foundation encourages and facilitates comparative behavioural research in animals. The aim is to promote research in ecology and the natural behaviour of animals with the purpose that the nature reserves where these species live can be better and more efficiently conserved and that endangered species can be protected for the future. The foundation supports research into the behaviour and living conditions of species in the wild.
The Lucie Burgers Foundation was founded in 1980 and is named after Lucie Burgers, the daughter of the founder and a former board member of Burgers’ Zoo. Lucie Burgers had an exceptional knowledge of animals and was a very proactive woman.
The foundation aims to provide financial support for research projects or parts thereof for which it is difficult to obtain financial support through the usual channels, e.g. additional support or research in preparation for a regular application (pilot projects).
It is to be expected that the survival of many animal species can only be guaranteed under conditions that are, to a greater or lesser extent, regulated by human activity. These conditions vary from protected nature reserves to zoos. Within the given circumstances, the aim for individual animals must be to achieve a level of welfare that is acceptable by biological standards and according to realistic chances of the survival of the species.
The foundation therefore mainly supports research into the living conditions and behaviour of species in the wild. This research helps gain insights that contribute to the survival of animal species. Insight into the ecological and behavioural adaptation of an animal species is the basis for effective wildlife management and conservation.
For more information on the foundation, its activities and how to donate, please visit the Lucie Burgers Foundation website.