CPPR board

This project was initiated by passionate people!

As professionals in the animal world, they have long been aware of the disappearance of certain species. Through their work, they already contribute to the conservation of a number of them. But they wanted to get even more involved, in their own way, at their own level.

After a few emails were exchanged, they met in September 2013 and the CPPR project began to come to life.

The association's board is currently composed of five members, some of whom are listed below.

Helene ALLAIRE, President of the CPPR

As you can guess, I have been passionate about nature since I was a child. From childhood, I knew that I would take care of animals, a consuming passion that became my profession. I went through agricultural training, specifically in equine and cattle. After obtaining my BTEC National Diploma, the most wonderful of chance led me to Paris, where I found a position of zookeeper within the Menagerie of the Garden of Plants.

During my years spent in this small park belonging to the National Museum of Natural History, I took care of, among other things, the pair of red pandas and their numerous cubs. A new passion was born around this species. Wanting to do a little more for conservation, I naturally turned to these little-known animals, and the rest... you know!

Today transferred to the Paris Zoological Park, I no longer have the opportunity to take care of this endearing animal on a daily basis. But through the CPPR, I hope to contribute with you to its preservation in its natural environment.

Anne-Gwenael PERIO, Vice-President of the CPPR

For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted to contribute to the conservation of the wildlife around us. Initially drawn to the profession of veterinarian, I eventually studied biology and obtained my Master's degree in population and ecosystem biology in 2002.

It was that same year that I discovered the profession of animal keeper in a zoological park, a profession that has become a true vocation for me, because it allows me to act directly on the well-being of animals, most of whom are threatened. I have been working at the Clères zoological park, in Seine Maritime, since 2004.

But I wanted to get more involved in biodiversity conservation and make a bigger contribution. So when I heard Hélène talk about her desire to do something for red pandas, a species I particularly like, I didn't hesitate! And the CPPR was born.

Betty KNOPF, treasurer of the CPPR

I’ve always lived for animals! Mainly attracted by birds and carnivores (exotic and local) I was determined to work in the animal environment. After the scientific A levels, I passed an agricultural BTEC Higher National Diploma which taught me a lot about farming techniques. But my passion for wild animals was too strong for me to stay with pets.

I followed the training of zookeeper of Vendôme and I arrived in Paris, in the former Vincennes zoo, in 2003. Then in 2005 I joined the Menagerie of the Garden of Plant, and there, oh wonder, red pandas!! So beautiful, so interesting, so unique in the animal kingdom and especially so endangered!

When Helene and Anne-Gwenael asked me if I wanted to be one of them to manage the red panda conservation association, I was immediately seduced by the idea. So I joined the team as treasurer.

Alexis LE GAC, Secretary of the CPPR

Since my childhood, it has been impossible for me to miss a zoological park without visiting it! Being able to provide daily well-being to these wild animals in captivity quickly became a dream! After college, I turned to a BEP Agriculture then a Bac Pro “Services in Rural Environment”. Although this Bac Pro was more geared towards personal service, it allowed me to complete a 2-month internship in an aquarium and 4 months at the “Le Pal” Park in Auvergne.

After that, I wanted to access training as an animal keeper, but without success... It was impossible for me to stay a year doing anything other than this job... so I immediately started looking for a position as a keeper! And luck smiled on me in 2007 at the Mulhouse Zoological and Botanical Park, thanks in particular to my knowledge in conservation. Since then, I have worked a lot with primates but also carnivores.

And being attracted by the CPPR project, when Anne-Gwénaël offered me the opportunity to join the office, how could I refuse? A great opportunity to be able to contribute directly to the protection of a species!

Melissa VARIN, Assistant Secretary of the CPPR

Passionate about carnivores since childhood, every year I visited zoological parks and that is how my vocation was born. After obtaining my BAC S, I had the opportunity to discover many zoos through my various professional experiences which allowed me to subsequently integrate the animal care training at the CFPPA of Vendôme. I had my first job at the Jurques Zoo in versatility. Subsequently, it was at the animal and botanical park of Mulhouse that I specialized in the care of carnivores. Today I work at the Clères park in ornithology.

I met Alexis in Mulhouse, who told me about the association. Curious, I volunteered and discovered passionate people who are taking action on the ground. Seduced by the project and the red panda's face, I quickly joined the office to experience a wonderful adventure.