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August 2011 A visit to Nigeria
As part of the White-naped Mangabey Conservation Project, Dr Sònia Sanchez and David Osei (WAPCA Assistant) visited the CERCOPAN and Pandrillus projects in Nigeria, both of which have semi-free facilities for primates.
July 2011 Training workshop on survey methods
Also during July, thanks to funding from USAID (administered by CRC-Ghana), WAPCA and Wildlife Division staff ran a training workshop on primate survey methods for community members in the Cape Three Points area. This is in preparation for a primate census survey that will be conducted in the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve in September/October 2011.

July 2011 New research assistant from Barcelona arrived
The White-naped Mangabey Conservation Project has developed out of the ongoing collaboration with the University of Barcelona and Barcelona Zoo. In July, Elena Yajeya de León, a Research Assistant from the University of Barcelona, arrived in Ghana to begin a process of social rehabilitation for the pre-selected mangabeys at the Accra Zoo.
June/July 2011 Education Programme
Thanks to the new partnership with Coastal Resources Center Ghana (CRC) and partial funding from USAID, a conservation education programme was conducted by WAPCA and Wildlife Division for schools situated in fringe communities bordering the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve.
June 2011 World Environment Day
On 4th June WAPCA staff collaborated with CRC-Ghana on an event in Akwidae (a village close to Cape Three Points Forest Reserve) to commemorate and raise awareness about World Environment Day, the theme for this year being “Forests: Nature at your service.”
May 2011 Education exchange programme launched
A pilot education exchange programme was run which partnered a nursery school in Heidelberg (Germany) with a school in Accra (Ghana). The school selected in Ghana was Merton Montessori. WAPCA Assistant, David Osei and a volunteer teacher, Joe Ronzio, conducted a 7-lesson programme on endangered primates, which was developed by the WAPCA Intern, Holly Poell. The programme incorporated the opportunity for the children to exchange pictures and drawings.
April 2011 Visit by the German Ambassador
Mr Hans Christian Winkler, the Deputy Ambassador of Germany in Ghana, visited the Endangered Primate Centre at the Accra Zoo to learn more about WAPCA projects.
April 2011 Visit by Dr Rob Horwich
Dr Rob Horwich of Community Conservation visits Ghana to work with CRC (Coastal Resources Center). During his trip he met with Wildlife Division and WAPCA field staff conducting surveys in the swampy forest along the border with Ivory Coast.

March/April
2011
Surveys in Kwabre Forest
In collaboration with Wildlife Division, WAPCA conduct surveys and a community questionnaire in and around the Kwabre Forest.
February/
March 2011
Primate surveys in Subri River Forest Reserve
Dr Paul Buzzard and John Atingah Parker (Wildlife Division) conduct primate surveys in the Subri River Forest Reserve.
February 2011 WAPCA Ghana board meeting
The first WAPCA Ghana board meeting is held of 2011. There are two new members: Dr Erasmus Owusu, a lecturer from the Department of Animal Biology & Conservation Science at the University of Legon and former Executive Director of the Ghana Wildlife Society; and Mrs Vivian Nuhu, a retired education specialist who formerly worked as Public Relations Manager for Wildlife Division.
January/
February 2011
Primate documentary screened
David Osei., the WAPCA Assistant, collaborated with FONZ to screen a primate documentary for FONZ school clubs in Accra.
January 2011 Community meeting
A community meeting was held in Kwabre village to introduce WAPCA and the intention to conduct primate surveys and community interviews in the area.
January 2011 New student arrived
Holly Poell, a student from Trent University (Canada), begins a 12 week attachment with WAPCA Ghana.

Holly (r) and the coordinator in front of "the big tree"
December 2010 Planning for new surveys
Initial visits were made to the Subri River Forest Reserve and Kwabre Forest (off reserve area, south west of Ankasa, on the border with Cote d’Ivoire) where primate surveys are going to be conducted in early 2011.
November 2010
Visits from zoos across Europe
Nick Lindsay (ZSL) and three colleagues from zoos in Europe; Roger Wilkinson (Chester Zoo, UK), Frank Rietkerk (Apenheul Zoo, Netherlands) and Simon Tonge (South West Environmental Parks, UK) visited the Accra Zoo. The visit was an opportunity for the Coordinator and Zoo Manager to discuss field projects as well as those at the zoo.

September 2010 Annual EAZA conference
The Coordinator for WAPCA Ghana attended the annual EAZA conference held in Verona, Italy. She gave presentations in the Old World Monkey TAG (Taxon Advisory Group), the annual WAPCA Europe meeting and the open plenary on education.
September 2010 Feasibility study completed
Dr Sonia Sanchez has completed her study on the feasibility of establishing a semi-free enclosure for white-naped mangabeys in Ankasa.
left: Survey of potential sites, right: interviews in local communities.
September 2010 New Publication "Primates of West Africa"
Conservation International has published a new pocket guide to “Primates of West Africa”. 500 free copies were received by WAPCA Ghana for distribution to Wildlife Division staff, school conservation clubs and university departments.

June 2010
Training for Wildlife Division and WAPCA staff
Jeanne-Marie Pittman (a senior veterinary nurse from Johannesburg Zoo) spent five weeks in Ghana conducting extensive training for Wildlife Division, Veterinary Services and WAPCA staff in Accra and Kumasi. Topics covered included parasitology, enrichment, record keeping, hygiene and husbandry.

May 2010
Collaboration with University of Barcelona and Parque Zoológico de Barcelona.
Dr Sònia Sànchez from the University of Barcelona, arrived in Ghana to conduct a feasibility study (funded by Parque Zoológico de Barcelona), looking at the possibility to establish a semi-free enclosure for white-naped mangabeys in Ankasa.
 
April 2010 Visit from WAPCA Chairman Dr Wünnemann
Dr Klaus Wünnemann (Chairperson of WAPCA Europe, Director Heidelberg Zoo) visited Ghana and Ivory Coast. He met with key partners, visited project sites and discussed ideas for future activities in each country.

Dr Wünnemann with WAPCA Assistant and animal keepers at the Endangered Primate Centre, Accra.





Below: Entering Tanoé Forest, Ivory Coast

















Dr Wünnemann with WAPCA Ghana Coordinator, Dr Inza Kone and other representatives from RASAP – CI/CSRS (Recherche et Actions pour la Sauvegarde de Primates en Côte-d'Ivoire/Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire), SOS Forét and CARE International, in Ankasa.

March 2010 Awareness campaign extended
Thanks to funding from WAPCA e.V., WAPCA Ghana has been able to extend the CFBP awareness activities for communities in Ankasa and Cape Three Points areas. As part of this a schools programme was conducted in communities forming the Amokwaw CREMA. Again the highlight was an excursion to the forest, this time for an overnight stay, thanks to Wildlife Division granting permission to use the Ankasa Exploration Base (conservation education facility within the forest).
March 2010 Students helping zoo staff
During their first visit of 2010, the Lincoln Community School Roots & Shoots club helped zoo staff to clean the crocodile pond.
January/
February 2010
Volunteer zoo keeper from Germany
WAPCA Ghana was very grateful to receive Simone Querfurt, a zoo keeper from Duisburg Zoo, as a volunteer working with staff at the EPC. During her visit she also accompanied the Coordinator and Assistant on a field visit to Ankasa and Cape Three Points.
January 2010 Renovation of enclosure
Renovation of one of the enclosures at the Endangered Primate Centre was completed.
December 2009
Board meeting
WAPCA and FONZ held a joint Christmas Board meeting.
November 2009 Donations for zoo site
WAPCA, FONZ and Wildlife Division were very grateful to receive a donation of aggregate from Construction Pioneers – Concrete Products, to help with construction activities at the zoo site.
October 2009 School competitions
Under the CFBP Awareness Campaign, conservation-themed competitions were held for schools situated in communities forming the Ghana Nungua-Cocotown CREMA (Community Resource Management Area). The finale of the competitions was an excursion to Ankasa Forest for all participants.
October 2009 Reference booklets on wildlife monitoring published
Under CFBP, two reference booklets were produced, one on wildlife monitoring techniques and the other on forest primate identification. These were distributed to all WD staff in Ankasa and Bia.
October 2009 Documentary filming at the zoo
During their one of their visits to the zoo, the LCS group were accompanied by a film crew from a local satellite TV station, SKYY TV. They did  filming of the zoo and interviews with the coordinator and students with a view to using for a magazine style programme aimed at teenagers.
September 2009 Voluntary work at Achimota zoo site
The Roots & Shoots club of Lincoln Community School (LCS) visited the zoo site in Achimota to do some voluntary work, which included path clearing and cleaning of signs. Students also met with representatives of FONZ to discuss fundraising ideas. These visits are to take place on a regular basis during the school year.
September 2009
Wildlife training for tourism guides
Under CFBP, David Osei (WAPCA Assistant) conducted training on wildlife interpretation for community tourism guides in the Cape Three Points area.
August 2009 Dr. Sylvain Gatti returned to France
After three years with WAPCA, Dr. Sylvain Gatti has completed his work and returned to France. Most of his activities were focussed on research, though he also worked with Wildlife Division to confiscate endangered primates being kept as pets.
June/July 2009 School Competitions for Awareness
As part of the Awareness campaign under CFBP (Community Forest Biodiversity Project), conservation-themed competitions were held for schools in Elubo (near to Ankasa). The competitions took the form of a timed essay, drama and quiz. As a prize, the winning teams were taken on an excursion to the Ankasa Forest.
June 2009 A Visit from Dr. Inza Kone
Dr. inza Kone from WAPCA Ivory Coast visited Ghana to share experiences and meet with partners at Wildlife Division.
April 2009 A Visit to the Mini Zoo
The Mini Zoo received a visit from Dave Morgan (Executive Director of PAZAAB – African Association of Zoos and Aquaria) and Nick Lindsay from ZSL (Zoological Society of London).
March 2009 Workshops for Wildlife Division Staff
Workshops on wildlife monitoring, primate identification and use of GPS, were held for all Wildlife Division staff in Ankasa and Bia.
March 2009 Retiring
Mr. Ernest Lamptey of Wildlife Division, a strong supporter of WAPCA’s activities in Ghana, retired.
March 2009 Kids visiting the Mini Zoo
Kids from the Beacon house Orphanage visited the Mini Zoo after Maggie Mozely, a student from Lincoln Community School, had been teaching them about WAPCA and conservation of endangered species, as part of a school project.
February 2009 Invitation to Ceremony
The WAPCA Coordinator and Assistant were invited by the FONZ Club of Jesus Is Alive School to attend their annual Certificate Ceremony, which marks the change over in the student executive at the beginning of the school year.
January 2009 WAPCA Presentation at school
WAPCA’s Primatologist, Dr Sylvain Gatti and the Coordinator, Kathy Burns, gave a presentation about WAPCA to the Roots & Shoots Club of Lincoln Community School
December 2008 Support from Shoprite
Shoprite are a large supermarket chain which has recently come to Ghana. Following a meeting with the WAPCA Coordinator and FONZ (Friends of National Zoos) Executive Director, the General Manager has pledged support for the EPC and Mini Zoo in terms of food and other possible developments in the future.
November 2008 Launch of Awareness Campaign
Another WAPCA activity as part of the Community Forest Biodiversity Project is an awareness campaign which aims to sensitise rural communities on the conservation of globally endangered primates. The campaign was officially launched in Ghana Nungua, a village near to the Ankasa Conservation Area, on 28th November 2008.
October 2008 New enclosure at the EPC
Construction has begun on a new enclosure at the Endangered Primate Centre. This has been made possible thanks to a reallocation of the generous funds donated by Bogosa Goldmines Ltd. This will become the new home for the Roloway pair, thereby creating more space for our ever expanding mangabey group.
October 2008 Field trip and consultative meeting on ecotourism in Cape Three Points Forest Reserve
As part of the Community Forest Biodiversity Project (CFBP)  (funded by the French government) WAPCA is aiming to develop a small-scale ecotourism initiative. After discussions with relevant stakeholders, the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve was identified as a potential location for this development. The field trip allowed us to visit the reserve and discuss ideas further with potential collaborative partners and local tourism operators.
October 2008 Primate keeper arrives from London Zoo
Andrea Payne, a primate keeper at London Zoo, arrived to spend four weeks in Ghana, split between the Endangered Primate Centre/Mini Zoo in Achimota Forest and Kumasi Zoo. As well as offering advice on enrichment and care for the primates, she is carrying out a study on neo-natal deaths in White-naped Mangabeys of which there is a particularly high rate amongst captive populations. The group at the EPC is of particular interest as there have not been any records of neonatal death and hence it is very useful for comparison.
August 2008 Birth of a White-naped Mangabey at the Endangered Primate Centre (EPC)
The latest arrival to the EPC was the birth of a male mangabey on 1st August 2008, born to the pairing of Ape and Mama, who are a very successful breeding pair having so far produced four young. Their first born, Lucky, was the one who went to London Zoo where he also is breeding successfully. This latest birth brings the mangabey group housed at the centre to 13, the largest group in captivity in the world! They're all registered as part of an international stud book, so hopes are high for future breeding and possible transfers, both of which are vital for the conservation of this highly endangered species.
July 2008 Confiscation of a young male White-naped Mangabey
Another very young mangabey, this time a male, was found being kept illegally as a pet, in a village near to the Ankasa Conservation Area. Thanks to support from the local chief, he was released and brought to the EPC. He has been named Nuba, after the village where he was found. He has joined Sonja and both are settling in well.
June 2008 Confiscation of a young female White-naped Mangabey
After nearly a year of negotiations a young mangabey was confiscated from a village in the Cape Three Points area and brought to join the breeding group at the Endangered Primate Centre. She has been named Sonja, in honour of the outgoing coordinator.
June 2008

Arrival of new Country Coordinator

After more than three years as WAPCA Coordinator, Sonja Wolters has ended her contract and returned to Germany. Her successor is Katherine Burns who arrives in Ghana from Zambia, where she worked on various conservation projects for the last five years.

April 2008

Inauguration of the new Endangered Primate Centre

On 30th of April the new Endangered Primate Centre in Achimota Forest was inaugurated with representatives from the Ministry of Lands, Forestry and Mines, the Forestry Commission, Wildlife Division, the German Ambassador and local media. The importance of the breeding program was emphasized to guests and a tour was given of the newly rebuilt Primate Centre.

October 2007

Presentation of WAPCA's research activities

At the Annual Meeting of the French Society of Primatology the WAPCA primatologist gave a presentation on WAPCA's research activities in the forest sites in the Western Region. Please find the abstract here.

September 2007

Primates successfully transferred to new Primate Centre

The Roloway Monkeys and the White-naped Mangabeys have been relocated successfully to the new Endangered Primate Centre (EPC) in Achimota Forest Reserve in the northern part of Accra. Here the monkeys enjoy the advantages of a brandnew facility and a very green environment.

July 2007

Relocation of WAPCA's office

The WAPCA office moves to a new location: We are now in the old premises of the Wildlife Division at the Beach Road, close to Independence Square.

May 2007

Monitoring starts at Bia National Park

In the context of the activities in the Western Region first steps were undertaken to carry out primate surveys inside Bia National Park. These surveys will clarify the current status of the remaining primate population in this forest and aim at improving the protection of the endangered species.

May 2007

Jubilee Publication features WAPCA

In the context of 50 years Ghana-German Relations the German Embassy Ghana produced a Jubilee Publication. WAPCA contributed an article which can be found here.

March 2007

Monitoring program initiated

A several-years program was initiated aiming at the clarification of the current situation of the endangered primate species in Ankasa National Park and other protected areas in the Western Region of Ghana. Surveys and monitoring will give detailed information on the remaining populations. At the same time trainings in data collection and field work will be carried out for forest rangers of the National Parks and local people. Using the data gained from the field work the protection of the primates will be intensified. The program starts with surveys in Ankasa.

March 2007

Lucky goes London!

The young mangabey male named "Lucky" of the breeding group at the Endangered Primate Centre in Accra was transferred to London on 9th of March. At London Zoo it was introduced to a group of mangabeys for breeding purposes. In the context of the International Breeding Program for Endangered Species (EEP) for White-naped Mangabeys this transport has been prepared carefully and could then be carried out successfully from Accra to London.

February 2007

First student involved in research project
A German student arrived to support research work inside the National Parks where WAPCA surveys and monitors primate population. These research activities will help to improve the protection of remaining monkey populations.

February 2007

New Arrival at the Endangered Primates Centre

A White-Naped Mangabey that has been kept as a pet for several years was brought to Accra Zoo. We are happy to report that this young male recovered well and can now be introduced to one of our mangabey groups at the Endangered Primates Centre. It will soon become part of the international breeding programme.

January 2007

Primate Expert organises Relocation
A primate housing expert from Zoological Society of London (ZSL) supports WAPCA to prepare the monkeys' relocation to the new site. Construction work on the new breeding centre will be finalized beginning of February when the design of the cages' interior and enrichment is finished by the expert.

November 2006

Work on the new Endangered Primate Centre in Achimota Forest, Accra started

All monkeys in the WAPCA project will be relocated to this new site as the Accra Zoo including the WAPCA facilities will have to move to alternative locations soon.

October 2006

Donation from Edinburgh Zoo

More than 300 kgs of clothes and uniforms arrived in Accra to support the animal keepers' work at the Accra Zoo and the tasks of forest rangers working with WAPCA in the protected areas. The equipment was sent from Edinburgh Zoo.

August 2006

Biodiversity Research Project started

The French biologist Dr. Sylvain Gatti started collecting data on the threatened primate species in four forest sites. In the next two years he will survey the areas to evaluate the status and to improve the protection of endangered primates. His study is part of the "Community Forest Biodiversity Project" which is being funded by the French government.

June 2006

Newborn Mangabey at the Centre for Endangered Primates

On June 29th a mangabey was born at Accra zoo. Its parents are the male animal transferred from Paris zoo last year and the female white-naped mangabey confiscated in September 2005.

April 2006

New Game Viewing Hide and Education Trail in Ankasa

Together with our sponsors Golden Star Resources, Bogoso Gold Ltd. and the German embassy WAPCA is proud to announce the inauguration of a game viewing hide at the Ankasa Resource Reserve and an education trail showing signboards with information on forest, primates and conservation issues.

February 2006

Newborn Mangabey at Accra Zoo

On February 7th one of the four female mangabeys gave birth to a healthy, male baby. The mother already gave birth to two other offspring and is part of the european studbook for white-naped mangabeys.

January 2006

Primate Expert for Endangered Primate Center

An international expert on primates gave training for keepers for several months and advised on the international breeding program for endangered species (EEP).

November 2005

New Roloway Guenon at Accra Zoo

Some days ago a vigilant keeper from Accra Zoo reported a Roloway guenon to be held by a private owner in Accra. This young female monkey could be caught by the zoo director and has now been transferred to the zoo's quarantine station. When it will be completely recovered it is planned for the near future to introduce her to the male guenon which has been living in the zoo since 2001. It remains uncertain if breeding will be possible with these two monkeys as they were heavily influenced by humans and kept separately.

October 2005

New White-Naped Mangabeys at Accra Zoo

A recently confiscated white-naped mangabey could be successfully introduced to an established group of two females at the "Centre for Endangered Primates". After a long time of preparation the transfer of a male mangabey from Paris Zoo to Accra was carried out a few days ago. Having passed a necessary quarantine period this male is expected to be socialised with the group of females in the future.

Accra Zoo now houses eight white-naped mangabeys in total which underscores its important role in in-situ conservation and the function of the "Centre for Endangered Primates" in the EEP for this highly endangered species.

April 2005

Opening of the "Centre for Endangered Primates"

On April 29th the "Centre for Endangered Primates" was opened at Accra Zoo. It provides improved breeding facilities for roloway monkeys and white-naped mangabeys. Furthermore it raises awareness among visitors by informing about threats and the conservation status of both species.

February 2005

New Project Coordinator arrives in Ghana
From March onwards WAPCA will have a new project coordinator. Sonja Wolters is a German biologist who in the previous year has worked for a conservation project in Vietnam. Julia Trillmich, WAPCA's current coordinator, will move on to Uganda after three years with WAPCA.

November 2004

15th November: Construction of the Primate Centre has begun
The construction work for the "Centre for Endangered Primates" began. It is the first project of its kind in Ghana. Three naturally designed cages with an indoor and outdoor unit will be built to house and breed White-naped mangabeys and Roloway guenons. The Centre will furthermore serve as an education base for school children and other zoo visitors.

October 2004

WAZA Grant for Accra Zoo
The "World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)" not only sponsored a training trip of three zoo staff to the UK last June but also financed further programs at Accra Zoo. Tools and items for renovation and behavioural enrichment were purchased, educational signboards were designed and items were bought to further improve the environmental education at the zoo.

June 2004

Training in England for Accra Zoo Staff

The Education Officer, the Curator and the head of the Primate keepers of Accra Zoo flew to the UK to participate in a five weeks training course. The program is sponsored by WAZA and WAPCA and supported by London Zoo, Whipsnade Wild Animal Park and Bristol Zoo and aims at improving their skills within their department. 

May 2004

Workshops for breeding Snails

Snails are considered a delicacy in Ghana and they are one of the most favoured bush meat species. The unsustainable human demand has led to such an over-exploitation of wild populations that they have decreased significantly and even got extinct in some regions.  WAPCA therefore held two 3-days workshops for 52 farmers coming from the area of Ankasa Resource Reserve. During the workshops they were trained on how to house, breed and manage snails domestically. Furthermore, two snail pens were constructed and donated to the local school to serve as an education centre.

March 2004

Newborn Mangabey at Accra Zoo

In the early morning hours of 27th March 2004 a male white-naped mangabey baby was born at Accra Zoo. It is the second baby of an approved mother who gave birth in May 2002 for the first time. The additional and highly welcomed family member raises the total number of this highly endangered primate species at Accra Zoo to three males and three females.

Bushmeat Exhibition at Accra Zoo

In order to protect wild animal populations the hunting pressure on them needs to be decreased. WAPCA therefore sets up a bushmeat exhibition at Accra Zoo which informs the 70.000 annual visitors about the bushmeat crisis. Snails and grasscutter, two of the most popular bushmeat species, are shown and bred. Furthermore, brochures, signboards and books will hopefully encourage visitors to breed their own bushmeat and to create income by selling surplus animals. The Exhibition was officially launched on 3rd March in the presence of the German Ambassador, representatives of the European Union, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Forestry, representatives of Wildlife Division and the media.

November 2003

Workshop on Bamboo-Farming

WAPCA organizes a five-day workshop for 25 farmers from villages that border Ankasa National Park. Topic of the workshop is how to plant and utilize bamboo as a more viable and ecologically friendly alternative to hardwoods. Also, the farmer will have an additional income by selling the bamboo to a factory nearby.

October 2003

Support for National Park Rangers

In order to improve the effectiveness of the patrols in Ankasa National Park WAPCA supplies the ranger with tents, backpacks, compasses and supplementary food supplies. This way over night patrols can be carried out to reach distant locations in the park to prevent poaching. The hand-over of items was followed by an extensive training on the handling of the equipment and the filling on of patrol report sheets.

June 2003

Funding from the European Union

WAPCA receives funding from the European Union in order to set up a bushmeat exhibition at Accra Zoo. Information brochures and signboards inform the annual 70.000 visitors of the zoo about the dramatic decrease of local animal species and the "bushmeat crisis" in general. Live animals of species that are preferred bushmeat are shown in breeding cages to inform visitors about how they can be bread commercially. Further information material on this issue is available for interested visitors.

May 2003

Agreement on Bushmeat signed

A Memorandum of Agreement is signed with the Centre of Biodiversity Utilization and Development (CBUD), a local institute that promotes knowledge about the rearing of bushmeat. With their expertise snail and grasscutter rearing will be enhanced in the villages around forest areas in order to satisfy the local demand of bushmeat with domesticated animals instead of wild ones.

Feb-Apr 2003

Co-Operation with Lindsay Magnuson

The primatologist Lindsay Magnuson worked together with the WAPCA Coordinator, Julia Trillmich, in Ankasa and Korkosua in the western rainforest areas of Ghana. Besides carrying out further primate surveys, eight local communities were invited to discuss conservational matters and possible projects to profit from visiting tourists. The wildlife guards received training on monkey behaviour in order to have them gather reliable data during their patrols. The surrounding police stations were visited to educate officials on the issue and implementation of existing wildlife laws. Furthermore, the first edition of a “Conservation newsletter” was produced in the local language to be distributed regularly amongst communities. This way WAPCA will create awareness about successful community developments and wildlife news that can be copied in other areas.

September 2002

3rd meeting of WAPCA members at the conference of the European Zoo Association (EAZA) in Barcelona, Spain.

August 2002

The entire staff of Accra Zoo is taken to a monkey forest as part of WAPCA’s educational program. Many of them have never seen a monkey in the wild!

August 2002

Official opening of the area at Accra Zoo where the “Centre for Endangered Primates” will be constructed. The German Ambassador and the Ghanaian Minister of Lands and Forestry participate in the ceremony.

July 2002

A program called “Adopt an animal” is being introduced to the zoo. The Swiss school of Accra takes up the offer and so does a local Wildlife Club.

June 2002

WAPCA sponsors air-conditioning and furnishes a cold room at Accra Zoo to keep food items fresh and out of reach of rats.

Since May 2002

The Education Officer is supported in his work to educate school classes with new materials and brochures. Together with this he is producing labelling for all animal species displayed at the zoo, to give visitors more information.

Since April 2002

The staff of Accra Zoo is being trained in continuous training sessions covering nutritional knowledge, hygienic issues and general knowledge about animals.

March/April 2002

The biologist Julia Trillmich undergoes special training at Heidelberg Zoo, Mulhouse Zoo and Landau Zoo to prepare for her tasks in Ghana. In April she moves to Ghana as a permanent contact person and project coordinator of WAPCA.

Oct/Nov 2001

The job vacancy advertised for a WAPCA coordinator in Accra/Ghana.

September 2001

2nd WAPCA meeting at the conference of the European Zoo Association (EAZA) in Prague.

Jul – Dec 2001 The primatologist Lindsay Magnuson carries out primate surveys in several Ghanaian forest areas. Her local field assistance is being paid by WAPCA.
May 2001 A Memorandum of Agreement is signed by the Ghanaian Government (Wildlife Department) and WAPCA.
April/May 2001

A veterinarian (Dr. Peter Hoppe) travels to Ghana for 6 weeks to establish contacts for WAPCA with the Ghanaian government, the zoo and other local environment organizations.

February 2001

The Gemeinschaft Deutscher Zooförderer (GDZ) (Union of German Zoo Supporters) donates 10.000 DM to WAPCA.

January 2001

1st WAPCA meeting at Zoo Heidelberg.