Embassy Headlines
Ambassador Janet Garvey Dedicated a Primate Enclosure in the Mefou National Park
Ambassador Garvey dedicates the Primate Enclosure
On February 25 2009, the U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon, Janet Garvey traveled to Mfou in the Centre Region for the dedication of a primate enclosure in the Mefou National Park, a $ 45,000 USD project generously financed by the U.S Department of Defense. Ambassador Garvey and entourage, including U.S. Peace Corps Director to Cameroon James Ham, the the Embassy’s Public Affairs Officer Richard Johannsen, and Major Jacquelyn Olsa of the Embassy’s Defense Attaché Office were welcomed at the Park by the Sub Divisional Officer of the Mefou Division, Djatche Guillaume, the Deputy Mayor of Mfou, Mbida Michel, the Manager of the Park, Rachel Hogan, and a cross section of local population and eco guards. The muddy path leading to the brand new primate enclosure did not affect Janet Garvey’s enthusiasm who congratulated the Park manager and her staff for the “great quality” of the work done, to protect wildlife and raise high the standards of the Mefou Park. The U.S. Ambassador admired the ten gorillas enclosed, aged from two to seven years. The Park manager expressed her profound gratitude and appreciation for the U.S government’s grant which “contributes significantly to ensure Cameroon’s primates healthy future”. Rachel Hogan also explained the Park’s background to the visitors and presented other aspects of the Mefou National Park, which include working to educate Cameroonians and a global audience –via the internet – on the importance of biodiversity preservation.
The 60.000 square meter primate enclosure was built under the U.S Department of Defense Biodiversity Program, through which the U.S has provided materials and training to a number of African countries for the protection of wildlife and other natural resources.