Save the Wildlife of Prince's Park
A new Nelson Mandela memorial is set to be installed on the isolated island in the middle of Prince’s Park lake. Locals are concerned about the impacts this will have on the natural wildlife in the park, as this is the only area untouched by humans.
The lake is home to many different species of bird including the Mute Swan, Grey Heron, and Eurasian Coot, all of which use the island to nest and keep their offspring safe.
The installation of the memorial will heavily disrupt the natural habitat that has been thriving there since the 1800’s, and will likely cause irreversible damage if Liverpool City Council goes ahead with the plans, which includes the construction of a bridge to the island which has already begun.
A local woman, aged 56, said: “The issue here is not the memorial itself but its location and the devastating impact it will have on the wildlife.
“The bridge will create easy access for local youths and fishermen to abuse the island in a destructive manner.
“There have been recent reports of fishermen with dogs running looseon the island, youths throwing rocks at innocent people walking past, not to mention the numerous injuries (and deaths) of birds caused by abandoned fish hooks and lines.
“Something needs to be done before all the wildlife are either destroyed or driven out by the unnecessary invasion of humans in their home.”
A plaque located in Prince’s Park informing local residents of the plans for the memorial has been covered with statements from locals regarding their opinion on the installation.
One states: “There are a lot of other places that this memorial could be situated without desecrating one of the few places in the area where wildlife is left in peace.”
Another valid point made is that “Nelson Mandela would have been appalled at this act of sheer vanity and vandalism.”
Mandela was an avid animal rights supporter, and once said: “If we do not do something to prevent it, Africa's animals, and the places in which they live, will be lost to our world, and her children, forever. Before it is too late, we need your help to lay the foundation that will preserve this precious legacy long after we are gone.”
Many locals are therefore questioning the ethics behind the installation, especially given that it goes against the morals of the person they are memorialising.
There is a petition that you can sign to try and stop this travesty from going any further which you can find by clicking the link below.
By Emily Shillcock
