Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

Virginia McKenna OBE welcomes ‘Dolo’ the lion to Born Free Foundation’s new wildlife rescue centre ‘Ensessakotteh’ in Ethiopia

March 24th 2011, leading international wildlife champion, Virginia McKenna OBE joined colleagues from Born Free Foundation Ethiopia, representatives from the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) and a host of distinguished guests, to witness the arrival of a rescued male lion, Dolo, at ENSESSAKOTTEH, Ethiopia’s first Wildlife Rescue, Conservation and Education Centre.

Dolo, rescued by Born Free and EWCA, from life on a one-metre chain, has been cared for in temporary accommodation in anticipation of his move to the Centre.

It was emotional and momentous when Dolo was released into his new naturalistic home at the Centre where he will be cared for, for the rest of his life.

Virginia McKenna OBE, star of the 1966 classic “Born Free”, said, “It is truly wonderful to be here to witness Dolo take his first steps in his new home.  His future life at Ensessakotteh will be in stark contrast to his previous existence when he was held on a one-metre long chain for four years, chaffing his neck and preventing the growth of a mane.” Virginia continued, “Our partnership with EWCA brings renewed awareness of Ethiopia’s amazingly diverse wild flora and fauna, and hope to individual captive animals, such as Dolo.”

Yeneneh Teka Leta of EWCA joined Virginia McKenna in welcoming Dolo to Ensessakotteh, “Dolo played a major role in triggering the establishment of Ensessakotteh.  We are delighted that Born Free Foundation stepped up as partners to create this unique Centre which will be a place where everyone, from local communities to international tourists, can learn about Ethiopia’s natural heritage and be inspired to work together to protect it.”

Born Free Foundation has a long history of conserving wildlife in Ethiopia and over the past few years and, with the continuous support and encouragement of His Excellency President Girma Wolde Giorgis, has been successful in securing the land and developing plans for the country’s first wild animal rescue centre.  During negotiations for this project, the plight of Dolo came to Born Free Ethiopia’s attention.  Together with EWCA, Born Free Foundation was able to effect his release and he was moved to a temporary home in Awash National Park.

Alison Hood, Programmes Director for Born Free Foundation explained, “One of our core missions is to stop individual animal suffering, a vision shared by EWCA.  Sadly, along with Dolo, there are many other wild animals in Ethiopia in need of help.  While it is illegal to keep a wild animal without a permit, EWCA, though keen to step in and enforce the law, previously had nowhere to take confiscated animals.”

She continued, “Therefore, together, Born Free Foundation and EWCA are creating Ensessakotteh (which phonetically means “animal footprint” in Amharic) which will include the lifetime care facilities for rescued wild animals found within Ethiopia as well as providing educational benefits to thousands of Ethiopian citizens and international visitors.”

Stephen Brend, Born Free Foundation Ethiopia’s Project Director who is overseeing the development and construction of Ensessakotteh, was also delighted to welcome Dolo onto the site, “The construction team has worked so hard to ensure Dolo’s enclosure is fully functional, secure and safe.  We’re all delighted to see Dolo exploring his new home complete with acacia trees and natural vegetation; it really proves how important a Centre such as Ensessakotteh is.”

Work at the Centre will continue as more facilities need to be built for rescued wild animals that cannot be returned to the wild, particularly following effective wildlife law enforcement actions undertaken by EWCA as part of their mission to protect the country’s magnificent wildlife.

You can make a donation to help with Dolo's care and the continuing developement of the centre