Tahirinala Nature Park is a protected ecological and wildlife rehabilitation center located in the heart of Mahajanga city. Operated by Red Island Restoration in partnership with the Accelerated Restoration Collaborative, the park conserves a thriving fragment of Madagascar dry forest—one of the island’s most threatened ecosystems. Despite its urban setting, the forest remains intact and ecologically vibrant, offering a rare refuge for native species and a living model of sustainable urban conservation.
Originally founded in response to the regional trafficking of wildlife, particularly animals intercepted in Mahajanga for the illegal pet trade, the park now serves as a vital hub for the rescue, care, and rehabilitation of threatened species. Among its residents are the spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides), listed as Critically Endangered and noted for its small size and intricately patterned shell; the radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata), also Critically Endangered, whose striking star-like markings make it a frequent target for poachers; and the common brown lemur (Eulemur fulvus), a highly social primate listed as Vulnerable, increasingly displaced by habitat fragmentation and hunting pressures.
These animals live within spacious, forested enclosures that encourage natural behaviors and movement. Round-the-clock guard rotations ensure their safety, while a team of experienced staff provides daily monitoring, enrichment, and veterinary oversight tailored to each species’ needs.
Tahirinala also functions as a biological preserve, with special attention given to the island’s native flora. The forest canopy and undergrowth host a wide variety of endemic orchids, carefully propagated and reestablished throughout the site to encourage habitat diversity and ecological stability. This robust plant life has supported the return of numerous bird species, including the Madagascar kingfisher (Corythornis vintsioides), the Madagascar drongo (Dicrurus forficatus), and the Madagascar paradise-flycatcher (Terpsiphone mutata)—all of which are currently listed as Least Concern, yet remain integral to the integrity of local forest ecosystems.
Beyond conservation and care, the park operates as an educational and research center, engaging schools, community groups, and researchers in efforts that promote awareness, habitat restoration, and science-based wildlife management. Tahirinala stands as a powerful example of what coordinated, ethical intervention can achieve—a living space where wildlife, flora, and people coexist within a landscape of protection, purpose, and renewal.