NO matter how laudable their aims, charitable institutions as well as commercial businesses are liable to suffer in recessionary times. Less money in circulation means that less is in people’s pockets, so they are naturally reluctant to make donations or engage in what is perceived to be unnecessary spending.

It is clear from yesterday’s revelation that Durrell is launching a major cost-cutting exercise and that this is about to lead to 14 redundancies that our famous wildlife conservation park is feeling the pinch as much or perhaps more than other worthy causes.

In addition, Durrell faces further problems associated with the special nature of its work and its relationship with the outside world. Donations are, of course, important, but the attraction formerly known as Jersey Zoo lives or dies by the number of visitors willing to pass through its turnstiles.

In common with all other bodies – charitable and otherwise – Durrell must clearly manage to live within its means. It cannot, however, afford to let its very high standards slip seriously or fail to uphold its primary reason for existing at all – helping to preserve animal species and habitats internationally.

Sadly, although the present management has realised that neither its mission nor its offering to Islanders and visitors can be compromised, the staff losses are regarded as inevitable. So, too, are the decisions to reduce the number of animal species looked after at the premises in Trinity and the curtailment of overseas projects.

Having been a part of Island life for half a century, Durrell is an important local institution as well as a global force. It is also true to say that its founder, the late Gerald Durrell, his wife Lee Durrell and a host of dedicated employees have done a tremendous amount for Jersey, helping to put it on the map and contributing magnificently to the range of attractions that have kept holidaymakers coming to our shores.

In these austere times it is unrealistic to expect government to offer subsidies even to an organisation as august, remarkable and worthwhile as Durrell. It is nevertheless possible for ordinary Islanders to offer support by revisiting a much-loved facility and, if their personal means are substantial, consider what they might be able to do in terms of direct monetary donation.