From the President's Desk

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

I recently traveled to Botswana and adjoining countries, such as Namibia and Zimbabwe, with zoo directors from other Association of Zoos and Aquariums institutions. It was a chance to connect with peers, see incredible wildlife, and enjoy tranquil moments with nature. For many of us, this was the first international travel since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it gave a glimpse into what travel could look like in the future.

Although everyone was vaccinated and feeling relatively comfortable about the situation, one challenge was changing protocols. One day, you needed a PCR test 72 hours or 24 hours before crossing a border. The next day, just having a vaccination card was enough. It helped being flexible, going with the flow, and having an experienced travel coordinator keeping up with each new requirement.

One thing that was obvious during our trip was the role that eco-tourism plays in animal conservation. Over the last two years, international travel for safari adventures has essentially shut down most of the camps and support services that cater to eco-tourism. At one lodge, we were the second group to visit since the start of the pandemic. Without tourism, large portions of the economy were shut down with corresponding layoffs and economic hardships.

For information on traveling with Allen, visit LivingDesert.org/Travel

Without a job, local people resorted to subsistence methods to feed their families including the hunting of bushmeat, often with the use of snares. Some of the conservation partners we talked to reported a substantial increase in the number of snares that were found in conservation areas. While it might be easy to be judgmental, the realities of the situation dictate that if you do not have money you will need to find a way to live off the land to feed your family.

Another revelation during our trip was that many graduate students and researchers that work on conservation projects had severe travel restrictions during the pandemic, so important work like animal census, disease detection, and community-based conservation education was curtailed. This two-year gap in learnings from these important projects will impact future planning for conservation initiatives.

So, if seeing amazing wildlife in a safari setting is on your bucket list, now is the time to fulfill that wish. You will come away with memories to last a lifetime and your visit will help to protect the animals we all care so much about.

Allen Monroe, President/CEO

In front of an ancient baobab tree.