| 1 | 1 | | Sir, |
| 2 | | Of course the best solution to the problem of species conservation is to conserve the |
| 3 | | natural environment. However, the doubt about the future of so much natural |
| 4 | | environment causes a problem. The Kenyans and others may not be able to support the |
| 5 | | black rhinoceros into the far distant future; nor may other African states be able to |
| 6 | | support their gorillas and chimpanzees and so on - and on and on. The gathering clouds of |
| 7 | | human demographic catastrophe in so much of the world warn us that there are stormy |
| 8 | | waters ahead of the ark. |
| 2 | 9 | | Only a fool would venture into a strong ocean in a ship without a lifeboat. |
| 10 | | Everybody hopes the lifeboat will never be needed - but all should be grateful that the |
| 11 | | lifeboat is there. |
| 3 | 12 | | It is obvious that we who run zoos are providing such lifeboats for the stormy years |
| 13 | | ahead. Stick your heads up above the waves and look at what's coming. |
| 14 | | Michael Brambell |
| 15 | | Director, Chester Zoo |
| 16 | | Chester |
| | | |
| | | from 'The Independent', April 9, 1991 |
