Potawatomi Zoo hosting education talk on newly added painted dogs
Potawatomi Zoo
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Wilton Nsimango, Education and Community Development Manager at Painted Dog Conservation in Zimbabwe, will be the main speaker at the event at 6 p.m. on May 22 as he leads the educational and fundraising event.
The event is free, but attendees are asked to register in advance.
"At this education and fundraising event, we'll have a bake sale and silent auction to raise money for painted dog conservation in the wild. Or you're welcome to leave a donation when you register," zoo officials said. "Proceeds from this event will go to support Painted Dog Conservation, a non-profit organization working to protect and increase the range and numbers of painted dogs in the wild."
According to zoo officials, PDC has put together a conservation model that will work in the long term to make a significant difference to the painted dog population in Zimbabwe and they employ more than 60 people from the local villages to run their conservation programs as well as education and outreach programs.
"These efforts span everything from an Anti-Poaching team, which patrols local areas daily to provide a direct form of protection for the dogs, to a rehabilitation facility where injured and orphaned dogs are treated before returning them to the wild," officials said. "They monitor more than 10 packs daily across Hwange National Park, Mana Pools, and Mid-Zambezi. In additional to helping painted dog populations, Painted Dog Conservation works to help humans as well, through education and outreach programs that prioritize community spirit.
"They have established projects and programs that directly improve the lives of local residents. PDC has set up Children's Bush Camp, a visitor center, collaborative art projects, conservation clubs, community gardens, and more."