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Royal approval for TA building work at Durrell

11^th June 2009

The Duke of Gloucester spent a rainy morning at Durrell yesterday, reviewing the work being done by the island's TA and its lead regiment the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers at the Trust's headquarters.

The regiment is on a two week exercise in Jersey, working on several community projects. While in the island a number of the regiment are building a home for a species new to Durrell, the red river hog.

Two females hogs are due to arrive in the island from Whipsnade Zoo this weekend, but they will spend the next few weeks in quarantine until the opening of their enclosure in July.
His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester was greeted at Durrell’s headquarters by Honorary Director, Dr Lee Durrell, and the Trust’s Chief Executive, Paul Masterton, before speaking to the team who have made good progress over the last few days.

Lieutenant Colonel Alastair Cooper, Commanding Officer of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia), said, "We are delighted to be able to contribute in a small way to what is an outstanding wildlife trust and leave a lasting legacy on the island, which is very positive for morale in the regiment. This is a fantastic opportunity to show how the Army can support the civil community. Being involved in a wildlife conservation task has been very well received by the soldiers under my command and we are looking forward to seeing the red river hog enjoying its new enclosure".

Durrell's Director of Conservation Management said, "Red river hogs are a spectacular new species for Durrell and they will help us educate visitors on the pressures that the bushmeat trade create on endangered species."

Durrell's CEO, Paul Masterton added, "We're delighted to welcome the Royal Engineers and are truly grateful for their support."

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