THE number of people who turned up on Sunday to help celebrate Durrell Day proved beyond any doubt just how popular the organisation formerly known as Jersey Zoo is among Islanders and visitors.

A total of no fewer than 15,000 passed through the gates, making the special open day a fitting 50th birthday party for an Island institution that is at once an attraction, a refuge for wildlife, a memorial to its founder and a major focus for important scientific research.

Those who turned up for the celebrations doubtless enjoyed not only rubbing shoulders with so many of the world’s endangered animals, but also the special events laid on for the birthday party.

These included the Corfu Zone, a tangible reminder of the Greek island’s formative influence on Gerald Durrell, who in 1959 launched the multi-faceted establishment that now bears his name and is dedicated to extending his life’s work.

There can be no doubt whatsoever that Mr Durrell, now no longer with us, would be intensely proud of the way in which Durrell Wildlife has developed. He would also have been proud to see so many people share in a celebratory event which, alas, he did not live to see.

But the good work which he initiated and led for many years goes on under the leadership of his wife, Lee. Quite rightly, Durrell Wildlife’s contribution to conservation and the captive breeding of species under threat is recognised internationally. We in Jersey, however, have particular reasons to respect the achievements of our wildlife park and to be grateful for the contribution it makes to Island life.

At the most obvious levels, Durrell is a major attraction for visitors and residents. It also plays a significant role in helping to put Jersey on the map,
reminding the outside world that this community is about far more than high finance, tax planning, rich immigrants, Haut de la Garenne and old episodes of Bergerac.

With half a century of solid success under its belt, Durrell can look forward to the future and many, many more years dedicated to the welfare of the world’s wild animals and the habitats that support them.

Meanwhile, the fun at the weekend – enjoyed by so many – was wonderful proof that the highest ideals can march hand in hand with the development of an organisation able to bring pleasure to people of all ages and from all backgrounds.