LUKURU
For more information:
www.colszoo.org
Dr. Jo Thompson, known for her bonobo research, led the Lukuru Parks Relief Mission which The Oakland Zoo helped support. She fled the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1998, when instability and occupation from armed groups made continuing work impossible. During this time, park guards were disarmed and their uniforms taken, left with no communication to the capital city or to the outside world. Later, many recounted stories of beatings and torture.
Many park rangers continued to try to catch poachers and remove snares from the forests but the soldiers still killed many animals. The intent of the relief mission was to restore the function of ICNN, promote the safeguarding of wildlife communities, and deliver humanitarian aid. When the ban against using domestic air space was lifted in March of 2001, plans were made for delivery of supplies, an extremely difficult task.
Through fundraising efforts of the AAZK Chapter and the Bushmeat Crisis Action Group and member support, The Oakland Zoo sent enough funds to outfit 103 of the 1600 rangers in DRC. Along with basic medicine, clothing, household goods, anti-poaching equipment, office and school supplies, soap, blankets, and other humanitarian aid, all the rangers will have complete uniforms including a hat, shirt trousers, belt, ankle-boots, and four insignia patches. It is the first time the park guards will be wearing the same uniform and have a unifying insignia countrywide.
Conservation education for the local people is provided through a conservation magazine written by the guards. The Oakland Zoo thanks its members for all of their help!
For more information:
www.colszoo.org
