Zoo Berlin and professional footballer Antonio Rüdiger are teaming up to make a bold statement for wildlife conservation. On November 19, 2024, a unique auction will kick off on the online platform Catawiki, offering an extraordinary collection of one-of-a-kind items and collectibles. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Pygmy Hippo Research Project in Sierra Leone's Gola Rainforest National Park, which works to protect the endangered pygmy hippos in their natural habitat.
Among the highlights are Toni's first mini football - signed by the zoo's "Hippo Team" -, a life-sized sculpture of Toni's neighbor, Betty the Indian rhinoceros, and an exclusive "Meet & Greet" with pygmy hippo baby Toni, the Hippo Team, and Zoo CEO Dr. Andreas Knieriem. Antonio Rüdiger, Real Madrid defender and honorary sponsor of the pygmy hippo Toni, is also contributing to the auction with his match-worn and signed jersey from Real Madrid's 4-0 victory against Osasuna on November 9, 2024.
"The habitat of pygmy hippos in West Africa is under severe threat, and it would be truly heartbreaking if these unique animals were to disappear forever. Little Toni and I are proud to be ambassadors, working together to protect this endangered species and its habitat. The auction supporting the conservation project in Sierra Leone is a great opportunity to actively contribute and help ensure the survival of pygmy hippos and many other species. That’s why I hope as many people as possible will join this initiative," explains Antonio Rüdiger.
Zoo Director Dr. Andreas Knieriem emphasizes, "As one of the world's most renowned zoos, our mission goes beyond caring for animals and raising awareness about endangered species like the pygmy hippo. We are also committed to directly supporting conservation projects in the wild. The situation for many species is dire, and we want to highlight this with the enchanting images of our little Toni. Our thanks go to Toni Rüdiger and everyone supporting us in this important mission."
Additional unique items are also being auctioned for the cause, including a hand-carved wooden hippo from Sierra Leone, donated by the Sierra Leone National Tourist Board, which promotes tourism to the West African destination: de.tourismsierraleone.com.
“Catawiki is all about bringing special objects into our lives – and this auction couldn’t be more extraordinary,” says Genevieve Tearle, Vice President of Collectables at Catawiki. “We are thrilled to collaborate with the renowned Zoo Berlin and a global football icon like Antonio Rüdiger to create something truly unique. Through this auction, we’re giving collectors the opportunity to acquire exceptional memorabilia from the worlds of sports and nature while contributing to the vital protection of endangered species.”
Zoo Berlin, pygmy hippo Toni and Antonio Rüdiger cordially invite everyone to take part and send a strong signal in favour of wildlife conservation.
The auction begins on November 19th and ends on December 1st. It can be accessed via the following link: https://www.catawiki.com/en/a/1076485
Background
As early as 1921, Zoo Berlin achieved the first European breeding success with the critically endangered species. Pygmy hippo mother Debbie has successfully raised calves in 2004, 2007, and 2008. Pygmy hippo Toni was born on June 3, 2024, in "Hippo Bay" and quickly gained significant media and social media attention shortly after her birth. Following an extensive naming process in the summer of this year, the name "Toni" was chosen, leading to footballer Antonio Rüdiger from Berlin becoming the calf's godfather. Pygmy hippo father Tobi does not participate in rearing the young. Pygmy hippos are shy solitary animals with established territories. The first pygmy hippo arrived in Europe from Sierra Leone in 1873.
About Catawiki
Every week, 75,000 items are listed on Catawiki, the leading online marketplace for unique objects. Each item is reviewed and selected by Catawiki’s team of hundreds of in-house experts specializing in art, design, jewelry, fashion, classic cars, collectibles, and much more. Headquartered in Amsterdam, Catawiki employs over 750 staff members worldwide.
