Zookeepers in Uganda have taken a bold step to support efforts aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflicts, particularly in communities located near protected wildlife areas. Under the Zoo Keepers Association Uganda (ZKAU), the animal caretakers have introduced a new campaign focused on assisting learners from these communities to stay in school by providing essential educational materials and other school necessities.
During a recent celebration of International Zookeepers Day at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe, Ronald Wako, the ZKAU chairperson and head animal keeper at UWEC, announced that the campaign would supply scholastic materials, food, and other essential items to schoolchildren. These items include books, sanitary towels, pens, and meals such as breakfast and lunch. Wako emphasized that providing such support would prevent students from dropping out of school in search of these necessities.
Preliminary research conducted by ZKAU has shown that many boys in areas surrounding wildlife reserves are often drawn into illegal activities such as poaching to meet their financial and educational needs. The campaign aims to reduce this by addressing the root causes, beginning with public schools situated near wildlife-protected areas.
The initiative will also complement the government’s ongoing revenue-sharing program, which allocates 20% of gate collection from tourists visiting national parks to communities living near these protected areas. Additionally, the Wildlife Act provides compensation for individuals whose property or crops are damaged by wildlife.
The ZKAU, with its 53 members, plans to seek further funding and in-kind contributions to sustain the program. The goal is to continue providing much-needed assistance to the affected communities while raising awareness about the importance of conservation.
The Zookeepers Day celebration, which took place on Friday, concluded with a fundraising dinner, cultural performances, and awards for long-serving animal caretakers at UWEC. Among those honored were Hellen Atim Lolua, Aaron Sentongo, and David Baluku.
In addition to the campaign, UWEC has revealed plans to introduce formal courses on zoo-keeping. Dr. James Musinguzi, the UWEC Executive Director and patron of the ZKAU, mentioned that the center is developing a curriculum in partnership with the Directorate of Industrial Training. The courses will cover zoo-keeping from certificate to diploma levels, with future plans to collaborate with universities for degree programs in animal care and research.
This educational initiative is part of UWEC’s broader vision to establish itself as a center of excellence for zoo-keeping, with the aim of training professionals who can meet the growing demand for qualified animal caretakers both locally and internationally. UWEC’s advancements in research, infrastructure, and expertise position it as a premier institution for training zoo-keeping professionals.
The celebration of Zookeepers Day, observed annually on October 4, was first proposed by Barcelona Zoo and AICAS (Iberian Association of Zookeepers) in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who advocated for the protection and enjoyment of nature. This day recognizes the work of individuals who dedicate their lives to animal care, whether in zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, or wildlife reserves.
The Zookeepers Association Uganda, established in 2023, serves as a professional organization for zoo-keepers and animal care professionals in Uganda. It aims to promote best practices in animal welfare, conservation, and public education.
