The Cincinnati Zoo‘s Conservation Committee has selected five projects for funding as part of its annual program, which invites staff to propose conservation projects for support. One of the chosen projects is a community-based conservation scheme for breeding and releasing Bali starlings in Indonesia. Another project focuses on mangrove diamond-backed terrapins in southwestern Florida, while a third support the in-situ rescue and rehabilitation of native aquatic birds in the US. A fourth proposal aims to increase awareness of bonobos and their endangered status in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At the same time, a fifth will provide software and computer equipment for local raptor rehabilitation in Ohio.
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Cincinnati Zoo Keepers Awarded Conservation Grants to Save Wildlife
The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden announced last week that two of its keepers had been awarded conservation grants to support their efforts to protect endangered species in the wild. These grants were provided by the nonprofit organization the International Elephant Foundation (IEF).
The IEF supports conservation efforts worldwide, focusing primarily on elephants and their habitats. However, they also fund projects to protect endangered species, such as lions, gorillas, and rhinos.
Keeper Laura Hiler received a grant to support her work with Vietnam’s Endangered Primate Rescue Center. This center is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating primates captured or confiscated from illegal traders. The grant will provide funding for vital equipment, such as field radios and GPS devices, to help Hiler and her team track and monitor the released primates in the wild.
Keeper Cathryn Hilker received a grant to support her work with Grevy’s Zebra Trust in Kenya. This organization is focused on conserving the endangered Grevy’s zebra, threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and human-wildlife conflict. The grant will provide funding for critical field equipment, including camera traps and GPS collars, enabling Hilker and her team to understand better and protect these animals.
Importance of Conservation Grants
These conservation grants play a critical role in supporting the work of zookeepers and other conservationists worldwide. For many conservation projects, funding is one of the biggest challenges, and without support from organizations like the IEF, conservation efforts could be severely limited.
By providing the necessary funds for field equipment, such as GPS devices, camera traps, and field radios, these grants help protect endangered species in the wild by providing conservationists with the tools they need to track and monitor animals, assess habitat quality, and understand the threats facing these animals.
Overall, the efforts of these Cincinnati Zoo keepers are a testament to the importance of conservation work and the need for ongoing support to protect our planet’s most vulnerable species. Thanks to the IEF’s generous grants, these keepers can continue their vital work conserving and protecting endangered wildlife worldwide.
