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U.S. Ambassador Dedicates Primate Enclosure in the Mefou National Park Financed by the U.S. Department of Defense
Yaounde March 2, 2009
On February 25, 2009, the U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon, Janet Garvey traveled to Mfou in the Centre Region to dedicate a primate enclosure in the Mefou National Park build with $ 45,000 USD generously financed by the U.S Department of Defense.
Ambassador Garvey was welcomed at the Park by the Sub Divisional Officer of the Mefou Division, Djatche Guillaume, the Deputy Mayor of Mfou, Mbida Michel, and the Manager of the Park, Rachel Hogan. Ambassador Garvey 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 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”.
The 60.000 square meter primate enclosure, built over two years, is now the home for ten gorillas, between two to seven years old.
This project was done 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. Other ongoing environmental projects funded by the U.S. Embassy include 50,000 USD for Korup National Park to assist the surrounding community in raising cane rats for protein and money; 50,000 USD for Elephant Camp to help the local community harvest onions instead of cassava to make money; and 105,000 USD for anti-poaching efforts in Campo Ma’an in the South Region and Bouba Ndjida in the North Region.
For more information, please contact the United States Embassy in Yaounde, Press section Tel 22 20 15 00, ext. 4162 or 4273.
