Dear ATCNews Readers,
2019 has been another challenging but impactful year at African Parks, where we continue to work tirelessly to protect wild landscapes and create safe places for people and wildlife to thrive. We couldn’t do the work we do if it weren’t for our Government partners and our supporters who share in our vision.
Together, we have been able to:
- Bring five rhinos from Europe to Akagera in Rwanda – the largest group ever from a zoo to the wild. In July, cheetahs made a historic return to Majete, Malawi; and in November, we carried out the largest airlift of black rhinos bringing 17 from South Africa to Liwonde in Malawi. These animals are all now thriving in their new and wild homes.
- Respond to natural disasters. When a catastrophic cyclone hit Mozambique in March, our team from Bazaruto Archipelago National Park were the first responders to some severely hit rural areas, providing food, drinking water and emergency medical aid, to more than 2,900 families. Since June, we have also been providing needed food relief to those devastated by the worst drought in history in Liuwa Plain, Zambia.
- Support local economies. With more than 5,000 full and part-time staff, African Parks is often the largest employer in the regions in which we work. In 2019, two new tourism facilities opened: one in Akagera (Magashi with Wilderness Safaris) and another in Liuwa Plain (King Lewanika with Time+Tide). These world-class lodges provide needed job opportunities as well as generate important revenue to help support the parks and the surrounding communities.
These are just a few of the highlights achieved in 2019. Because of the support we receive from people like you, we are able to deliver hope for people, and for wildlife across Africa.
When you donate to African Parks, thanks to our endowment and the generosity of our boards, your donation goes directly to the parks we manage. Your donation protects wildlife and their homes, creates jobs, and delivers essential and often life-saving services for so many. It is only with your help that we can continue to make a lasting and meaningful impact for so many.
We hope you will join us by supporting our work today, and continue with us on this journey to 2020 and beyond. |
