Magical Madagascar
Over 90% of the wildlife found in Madagascar exists nowhere else on Earth. It is an island of extraordinary, irreplaceable life, home to lemurs, chameleons, golden mantella frogs and hundreds of species that have evolved in complete isolation over millions of years. It is also one of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet.
We are proud to say that Happy Little Soles is playing a small but meaningful part in its protection.
Boots on the Ground
Chester Zoo has been a friend to Happy Little Soles for a while now. Many of you will remember our Pumpkin Trail partnership, when we sponsored their brilliant Halloween trail and a lot of little feet made some big steps in our wellies! That collaboration gave us a real sense of what Chester Zoo stands for: conservation, community and doing things properly. So when they approached us about their work in Madagascar, we did not hesitate.
The right pair of shoes makes all the difference, not just in terms of comfort, but for confidence, endurance and what can be achieved in a long day on difficult ground. When the opportunity arose to support the conservation teams working in Madagascar, donating boots felt like the most natural response we could have.
We gifted 40 pairs of Kilpi barefoot boots to the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group, working in partnership with Chester Zoo and Madagasikara Voakajy. Charles Wheeler, Chester Zoo's Madagascar Project Manager, personally carried the boots out with him when he travelled to meet the team in the field. Some of the conservationists had previously been working in very basic footwear, unsuited to jungle trekking. That detail stayed with us.
Kilpi Footwear | Outdoor Boots for Active Adventures
In Their Own Words
Sydonie, one of the field workers on the ground, put it better than we ever could:
"Conservation is not a desk job. It is long days in the field through rainforests, muddy paths and village trails. Every step protects endangered species and supports local communities. The right shoes don't just provide comfort: they empower impact."
Conservation, Science and Education | Chester Zoo
Guardians of the Forest
Madagasikara Voakajy works to protect Madagascar's plants and animals, species found nowhere else in the world, by working alongside the local communities who live closest to them. Their approach is built around four clear principles.
Science guides every decision. Research into endangered species such as frogs, baobabs and chameleons determines what needs protecting, where and how. Natural habitats are protected and restored through the creation and management of protected areas, reducing deforestation and allowing species to survive and recover. Local communities are supported to manage nature directly, helping them legally oversee forests and natural areas, so that the people who live alongside these species become their guardians. And conservation is linked to income, because when protecting nature also supports livelihoods, people have a genuine and lasting reason to care.
This is patient, physical, vital work. The people doing it deserve the best possible equipment.
Light on Their Feet
In dense forest terrain, feeling the ground beneath your feet is an advantage. A thin, flexible sole allows field workers to move with greater sensitivity and control, adapting naturally to uneven roots, wet rock and unpredictable mud rather than fighting against a rigid structure.
Kilpi Bare High Barefoot Waterproof Walking Boots
The Kilpi Bare High boot was built for exactly this kind of terrain. Waterproof, zero-drop and fitted with a deep-tread flexible rubber sole, it keeps feet as natural and responsive as possible while still providing the protection that demanding outdoor work requires. Lightweight enough for long days, robust enough for whatever the forest floor presents.
The Journey Continues
We will be sharing more from Madagascar over the coming weeks, including further photographs from the field and updates on the conservation work as it continues.
Follow our social media to see how the story unfolds, and don't forget to follow Chester Zoo to hear about their important work in conservation, science and education, and Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group directly for regular updates from the forest itself.
Helping Hands
Conservation loves collaboration. Chester Zoo's conservation work spans the globe, and their partnership with Madagasikara Voakajy is one of the most meaningful examples of what a zoo can do beyond its own gates. We are happy to play a part in helping them. If you would like to learn more or support the work in Madagascar, you can find out more via the Chester Zoo website and the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group at mfg.org.mg. They are also on Facebook and X.
Love animals? We have our own collection of animals HERE and a great blog post that covers the range HERE
