Animal Welfare Monthly Highlights: May 2024ANAW’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ELECTED TO THE BOARD OF THE WORLD FEDERATION FOR ANIMALS (WFA)In a call to serve, our Executive Director, Josphat Ngonyo, was elected for a second term of 4 years as a Board Member of the World Federation for Animals (WFA). The hotly contested elections took place in Copenhagen, Denmark on May 15, 2024. “It is inspiring to be a voice of the voiceless at this global stage. I am glad to serve with a great team of men and women, experienced and dedicated to the course of Animal Welfare. Bravo to us all!” Josphat stated. The World Federation for Animals (WFA) announced its newly elected Board following a General Assembly. The leaders selected comprised of a diverse panel of 14 formidable individuals leading impactful animal welfare organizations in different countries across the globe. The newly elected Board President, Chris Sherwood, CEO of RSPCA UK welcomed the move. “Animals are facing huge challenges worldwide, from climate change to biodiversity loss, intensive farming to economic pressures and it will take the collective effort of leading animal welfare organisations to create real and lasting change for animals around the world. It truly is an honour to be part of this ambitious organisation and I am very excited for the future and what we can achieve together.” ENHANCING PATROL SKILLS AT NARETUNOI CONSERVANCYIn this spirit of unity and collaboration to protect wildlife and care for the communities living with them, Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW), in partnership with The Wildlife Fund (TWF), successfully conducted a training session on desnaring at Naretunoi Conservancy. This initiative aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of wildlife scouts' patrols across the Athi Kapiti Wildlife Conservancies. The comprehensive training that sought to promote human-wildlife co-existence was led by Dr. Asumta Njuguna, who provided in-depth information on zoonotic diseases and its impact on the community living in wildlife areas. Dr. Njuguna emphasized the critical effects of these diseases on public health and underscored the importance of understanding their transmission and implementing effective prevention strategies. Scouts from Narutenoi, Nasaru, Olosira, AFEW (Giraffe Centre), Oldonyo Sabuk, Lukenya, and Olerai conservancies participated in this training. This session marked the second collaboration between ANAW and Naretunoi Conservancy, reflecting a sustained commitment to enhancing patrol skills and reducing wildlife snares. The training equipped the scouts with essential knowledge and bushcraft skills, contributing significantly to the overarching goal of wildlife conservation and the promotion of public health within local communities.
TURTLE CONSERVATION EFFORTS AND CAPACITY BUILDING CARRIED OUT IN MSAMBWENIThe Msambweni Marine Turtle Conservation Group (MTCG) undertook diligent daily patrols along the coastline, that focus on monitoring previously laid nests and ensure that they are protected from human and animal predators. During the month of May, while no new nests were recorded, successful hatching events were observed. On May 10th, Nest No. 1 was excavated, yielding 120 successful hatchlings, 12 unsuccessful hatchlings, and 8 unhatched eggs. On May 23rd, Nest No. 2 was excavated, resulting in 90 successful hatchlings, 21 unsuccessful hatchlings, and 10 unhatched eggs. The team in Funzi Island conducted regular patrols, securing five existing nests and recording one new nest, laid by a female green turtle at Mzame area. It is expected to hatch on August 5th. Unfortunately, a mortality case was recorded on May 11th involving a female green turtle caught in a ghost net, bringing the total mortality cases to three in 2024. In addition to patrols, Msambweni MTCG actively engaged with partners to secure training and resources. A training session was conducted by an officer from the Blue Economy and Fisheries Department, with all Beach Management Units (BMUs) participating. The group also met with the Olive Ridley Project (ORP) and Msambweni Beach House, agreeing on further renovations of the social hall and additional training support, marking crucial steps towards enhancing the group's conservation efforts. CELEBRATING WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY WITH ANIMAL WELFARE CLUB MEMBERS IN SCHOOLSANAW was pleased to have the opportunity to showcase its expertise at the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) Wildlife symposium, represented by veterinarians Dr. Dennis Bahati, Dr. Erick Onsongo, and Dr. Elynn Njeri. Held from April 4 - 5, the symposium's theme centered on, "The Role of Veterinarians in Enhancing Positive Human-Wildlife Co-existence." The ANAW team visited St. Hannah’s Preparatory School in Runda to celebrate a pre-World Environment Day event and meet the new animal welfare patron. The event featured engaging presentations from learners, including creative songs, poems, and artwork. The students also planted trees and participated in interactive sessions on animal welfare, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the cause. MAJOR WIN AS MONKEYS UNDER REHABILITATION WERE RELEASED IN SHIMBA HILLSAfter incredible efforts by the team at Colobus Conservation, seven (7) vervet monkeys under rehabilitation were successfully released into Shimba Hills National Reserve. It is with great joy that we celebrate this good news! Colobus Conservation attended to 21 animal welfare cases, including seven(7 ) Colobus monkeys, five (5) Sykes monkeys, four (4) Vervet monkeys, three (3) Baboons, one (1) Galago, and one (1) Green Pigeon in May. One (1) Vervet monkey was treated and also released back into the wild. The animals will be monitored to ensure safe integration into the environment around them. TRAINING ON COMPANIES' COMMITMENT TO CAGE-FREE PRACTICES TAKES PLACEANAW participated in a Cage-Free Corporate Outreach Workshop organized by Utunzi Animal Welfare. Under the theme, “Cage-Free Corporate Outreach: How Companies Can Contribute to Better Animal Welfare Standards”. The workshop engaged various stakeholders, including organization representatives, government officials, and farmers. Discussions highlighted upcoming projects, such as securing cage-free commitments from retailers and wholesalers, training programs for farmers on chicken welfare and cage-free production systems, and social media campaigns. Support Our Work Here's a great way to support Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) to protect present and future generations of animals. You can do so through the following ways: A Legacy in Your Will |
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