Fighting civet coffee farming

This World Civet Day we’re proud to announce we’re helping kickstart an exciting new international project aimed at fighting the unethical civet coffee farming industry in Vietnam.

We’ve joined forces with Drusillas Conservation in Action, who work closely with Drusillas Zoo Park in East Sussex, to provide £5,000 for The Civet Project’s ‘The Civet One Health’ initiative.

Civets are small carnivores, native to South and South-East Asia. Recently, they have become well known for their role in the production of Kopi luwak– coffee that is made of partially digested coffee cherries, which have been eaten and defected by palm civets. Rising consumer demand has resulted in mass caged production, with civets subjected to poor treatment while being force-fed the cherries.

Civet Project Foundation Founder, Jes Hooper, said: “Whilst known as the most expensive and rare coffee in the world, the reality of civet coffee is much darker.

“The Civet One Health program is an ambitious and exciting program that involves public and farmer engagement for decreased product demand and a transition towards wildlife friendly farming practices.

“The road is long but it is achievable, particularly with the generous support from our partners, Dudley Zoo and Castle and Drusillas Conservation in Action.

Despite being 200 miles apart, DZC and Drusillas Conservation in Action are united in their goal to safeguard civets and end the exploitation of these animals.

DZC’s Conservation and Development Coordinator, Jack Williams, said: “Dudley Zoo and Castle cares for a beautiful common palm civet named Connie, who acts as a wonderful animal ambassador for her species. Through this new partnership with The Civet Project and Drusillas Conservation in Action, we are delighted that we are now able to ‘go the extra mile’ and support the conservation of her wild cousins in Vietnam.”

Drusillas Head of Conservation, Presha Soogrim, said: “Our resident binturong, Niffler (who arrived from Dudley Zoo last year) is a beloved member of our family, so an opportunity to protect wild civets and binturong from being exploited for civet coffee, is a cause close to our hearts. This partnership reflects our commitment to protecting wildlife on a global scale. We’re honoured to help champion change for civets and the communities working to safeguard their future.