Information
from http://www.colszoo.org/Conservation/2000/Africanforest/drillcon/drillcon.html#limbe
The
Limbe Wildlife
Centre,
Cameroon: The zoo was started in 1993 as an interim sanctuary for orphaned
chimpanzees, but soon found itself with orphaned primates of many species. These being the
product of hunting and logging activities, were taken in as they would not normally
survive in the wild without their mothers.
The zoo houses 11 primate species endemic to Cameroon, but also focuses on
changing attitudes and awareness and centralizing the need for improved wildlife
protection. Together with on-site conservation-education and community outreach programs,
the zoo attempts to promote the intrinsic value of the areas rich wildlife and
habitat. The importance of the captive orphans is they raise awareness to the
problems created by bushmeat hunting and deforestation. Some primates, such as the
gorilla, are rarely seen in captivity as orphaned infants. The fragile gorilla orphans are
susceptible to disease and depression and rarely survive long enough to enter the pet
trade or other public display.
Currently, the
Limbe Zoo and Wildlife Centre is funded by donations secured through Pandrillus with some
assistance from the Government of Cameroon. Other assistance is provided by local,
national and international organizations including the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. |