Born Free receives award from President of Ethiopia
Ethiopian team recognised for contribution to wildlife conservation at the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority’s 60th anniversary celebration.
Born Free Ethiopia’s Country Director, Bereket Girma, accepted the Recognition Trophy for Long-standing Partnership to Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation, awarded by the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) and presented by H.E. President Taye Atske Selassie, President of Ethiopia, in recognition of Born Free’s long-standing contribution to Ethiopian wildlife conservation.
The Recognition Trophy for Long-standing Partnership to Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation was given at the 60th anniversary celebration the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA). For the past 60 years, EWCA have served as the guardians of Ethiopia’s wildlife; protecting species, ecosystems and communities, and ensuring Ethiopia’s natural heritage thrives for generations.
Born Free is a long-term partner of EWCA, having worked together for 18 years, since 2008, when Born Free established its operations in Ethiopia and began managing the Ensessa Kotteh Wildlife Rescue, Conservation and Education Centre in partnership with EWCA.
Born Free supports EWCA’s wildlife conservation efforts through the rescue, rehabilitation and lifelong care of confiscated, illegally trafficked, orphaned and injured wild animals at the Ensessa Kotteh Wildlife Rescue, Conservation and Education Centre, the only dedicated wildlife rescue and lifelong care facility of its kind in Ethiopia. This recognition also reflects Born Free’s wider contribution to Ethiopian wildlife conservation through conservation education, community engagement and capacity building over the past 18 years.
The event was attended by Bereket Girma along with 10 Nature Club students from Sadamo Primary School, one of several local schools Born Free works in partnership with to provide conservation education.
Speaking after the event, Bereket Girma said: “I am delighted that Born Free Ethiopia has been formally recognised as a long-standing partner to Ethiopian wildlife conservation, and it was a great honour to receive the trophy from H.E. President Taye Atske Selassie. The event included a panel discussion and closing ceremony attended by senior government officials, conservation partners and international organisations, which made it an excellent opportunity to strengthen our relationships across the Ethiopian conservation sector, as well as showcasing our education outreach work.”
ADOPT THE CHEETAH FAMILY
These cats were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Confiscated from various locations throughout Ethiopia, the cheetahs were destined to be trafficked overseas to be sold as pets, to be kept illegally as pets in Ethiopia, or to be used as ‘attractions’ to make money.
They now all live at Ensessa Kotteh, where they will receive the care they need for life, in natural surroundings amongst the flora and fauna of Ethiopia