Dublin Zoo Run for Wildlife to become annual event in aid of threatened species

Eva Osborne

Dublin Zoo has announced that its Run for Wildlife will become an annual event in aid of threatened species worldwide.

Held on July 26th, the run welcomed over 700 participants and raised an additional €3,500 in support of Selamatkan Yaki’s work in North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Dublin Zoo's long-time conservation partner, Selamatkan Yaki, has become the programme’s primary donor and lead advocate for the Critically Endangered Sulawesi crested macaque, or “yaki”.

Throughout the day, the event at Dublin Zoo also aimed to celebrate Indonesian culture and the importance of global biodiversity with the support of the Indonesian Irish Association and representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia.

The Sulawesi crested macaque, known for its jet-black coat and mohawk-like crest, can be seen in the Asian Forest habitat at Dublin Zoo.

In the wild, just 4,000–6,000 individuals remain on the island of Sulawesi. The species is in rapid decline due to hunting, habitat loss, and the illegal pet trade.

Founder of Selamatkan Yaki, Prof Vicky Melfi, said: “Selamatkan Yaki means ‘Save the Yaki’ in Indonesian, and our work is focused not only on protecting this unique species but also the forests they call home and the communities who depend on them.

"To be chosen as the spotlight for Dublin Zoo’s first-ever Run for Wildlife was incredibly meaningful for our entire team. It raised much-needed awareness of the yaki and its status as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and it brought the story of this remarkable primate to a wider audience.

"Dublin Zoo has been a valued partner for over a decade, and this deeper collaboration — both in terms of funding and shared outreach — is a powerful boost to our work on the ground in North Sulawesi. Together, we are helping to secure a future for the yaki in the wild.”

Senior conservation and science officer at Dublin Zoo, Dr Andrew Mooney, said: “This strengthened partnership with Selamatkan Yaki is incredibly important to all of us at Dublin Zoo.

"For over a decade, we’ve been supporting efforts to save the Sulawesi crested macaque - an intelligent, charismatic, and Critically Endangered species only found in North Sulawesi.

"Now, as their primary donor and dedicated conservation partner, we’re working closer than ever with the Selamatkan Yaki team, deepening our commitment to protecting this extraordinary species and their forest home.

"It’s a powerful reminder that conservation is a shared effort, and that together, we can make a difference for wildlife.”