southern white rhino mother and calf at ol pejeta
disease surveillance, ecological research and education center - ol pejeta conservancy
The Center is the brain-child of Dr. Stephen Ngulu, DVM of the Kenyan Wildlife Services, and Samuel Mutisya, Head of Conservation at the world renown Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The conservancy has been at the forefront of endangered species conservation as it is the epicenter of efforts to save the Northern White Rhino from imminent extinction. It is the home of the last two individuals of the species, and where procedures in bio rescue are conducted in the effort to halt extinction of the rhinos. Ol Pejeta is also home to other species on the endangered list, such as the Grevy's Zebra and Jackson's Hartebeest. It is also the site of the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary where chimpanzees that have been rescued from the illegal bushmeat and pet trade live out their lives in a sanctuary designed for their special needs.
Emerging challenges in the area of wildlife and environmental conservation include climate change, habitat loss, and disease spillover between species and between wildlife and domestic livestock. The center will lead to a better understanding of these threats and and how to address the needs for advanced animal health and holistic habitat monitoring and management. A healthy ecosystem is essential for the wellbeing of all species.
The objective of the planned center is to develop in-house capacity for wildlife and livestock disease surveillance and ecological research, and in conjunction with these projects, provide conservation education globally and to the local community. It will also provide a center for researchers from Kenya and around the globe to carry out various projects that will promote collaboration with a common goal of environmental preservation and wildlife conservation.
Dr. Ngulu and Mr. Mutisya have put forth a well developed multi-phase plan for this project and have procured a building in the conservancy which will be the nidus for the center, but much needs to be done in terms of infrastructure and equipment. They will require support from many resources, from individuals to corporate partners, and the goal of Ushirika is to connect the project with those with those who desire and the ability to be a part of the future of the center whether they are individuals, organizations, or corporations.
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to donate to this project You may use the button below