26 May, Villena, Spain/ Almere, The Netherlands – A royal visit at Primadomus, the Spanish branch of AAP Animal Advocacy and Protection. Today, Her Majesty Queen Sofía of Spain attends the official opening of AAP’s new rescue centre for big cats, with which AAP creates a safe haven for dozens of lions, tigers, and other mistreated big cats.
AAP is greatly honoured by the Queen’s visit to the new facilities. Queen Sofía is a prominent animal lover and long-time advocate for animal welfare. It is a great honour that Queen Sofía accepted our request to become the godmother (in Spanish madrina) to our big cat-complex. “Her support for AAP and other animal welfare organisations plays a crucial role in creating awareness in Spain, where animal rights cannot be taken for granted,” says David van Gennep, Executive Director at AAP.
Queen Sofía was noticeably interested and amused during our official opening, but then again, who wouldn’t be amused by the wonderful welcome-roar of lioness Savannah. Dressed in linen pants and wearing comfortable, yet decently elegant sandals, the 77-year old Queen graciously walked across the rough terrain at AAP Primadomus. “It was absolutely magnificent”, says Van Gennep. “The Queen showed genuine interest in what AAP does, she asked lots of well thought questions and stated that AAP’s work is of great importance. She also asked what she, herself, could do to help.” As godmother, Queen Sofía plays an important part in the work of AAP. And by associating her name to AAP Animal Advocacy and Protection, she makes AAP more known throughout the nation; amongst the general public as well as officials. “And that is such great help to us.”
Queen Sofía is not the only godmother of a complex in Primadomus; our primates have a so called madrina as well. Legendary British anthropologist Jane Goodall agreed to become the godmother to AAP’s primates and even though she could not attend the official opening, she left Queen Sofía a special video-message. An amazing, yet emotional moment for the Queen since both (now) godmothers have been good friends for a long time now. Queen Sofía was, just like everybody else, happily surprised by Jane’s message. “Jane Goodall taking the time to record a special message for us, and especially for her dear friend Queen Sofía, is one of the best moments of the day”, says Van Gennep.
Other big namesQueen Sofía attending the official opening has led to other officials attending this fantastic day as well. We had the privilege to welcome the Minister of Foreign Affairs Pablo Saavedra, as well as several Government Representatives, a CITES delegate, multiple councillors and the mayor of Villena, Fransisco Javier Esquembre Menor. Van Gennep: “It is so incredibly important for us that officials witness Queen Sofía openly supporting our work. These people make the important decisions in our profession, and maybe next time we state that change is needed, they remember this wonderful day and realize their support will not be in vain. We cannot avoid these problems any longer, and neither can Spain: we have to face them. Together.”
