The 2023 donation cheque for Zabakuck Zoo

It felt like an eternity ago: on 16 April 2023, the seventh forest run for a good cause took place in Friedensau. Zabakuck Zoo, a branch of Werkstätten für Behinderte Elbe-Havel gmbH, had been chosen as the recipient of the donation. After months of intensive planning, the day of the run took place in slightly bad weather – and I couldn't be there. My second child was born two days earlier, so I could only admire the photos that were sent to me. But the atmosphere seemed to be great, the runners motivated to do their best for the project. The two firefighters from the Friedensau volunteer fire brigade, who marched lap after lap wearing breathing apparatus, were particularly memorable. An impressive achievement!

After a short baby break and periods of illness for some of those involved, one and a half years later we are standing in Zabakuck with the donation cheque. The handover can finally be realised. Unfortunately, two of the organisers at the time are no longer in Friedensau and therefore not present – Matej Luksic and Arion Adari. The weather is beautiful. Children romp around in the playground and we remember why we decided to support this project almost two years ago. The small but beautiful zoo has been lovingly designed. The extensive animal enclosures are set up around a large playground with a terrace and sunbathing lawn. The highlight for me is the rabbit shelter in the form of a church. However, it's not just about the animals. The concept is more far-reaching: the zoo is run by an institution for people with disabilities, who look after the animals under the guidance of their carers and – if there are enough staff – run the café. That is inclusion in action. That inspires us. People with disabilities are where they are seen and can use their abilities. That's why, two years later, we are convinced that the donations from the Friedensau "Forest Run for a Good Cause" were invested in exactly the right place.

Mrs Reimann, the manager of the park, gave us a very warm welcome. I don't think an organisation has ever set up a small buffet to hand over donations before. There were sandwiches, biscuits, coffee and cold drinks for our small delegation. The gratitude for the donation could be felt in every action and every word. We loved being there and really enjoyed our time.

The 3,409.50 Euro will be used for an outing for the staff (with and without disabilities), which has not been organised for far too long, and for the renovation of the prairie dog enclosure.

We encourage everyone reading this report to visit this wonderful animal park with its large adventure playground and accessible enclosures. We will be happy to return. It's worth it! www.tierpark-zabakuck.de

Kathrin Taraba, 1st forest run organiser 2023