The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has expanded its ex-situ wildlife conservation programme with the introduction of two African Wild Dogs at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe.
The arrival of the male and female African Wild Dogs brings the total number of animal species under UWA’s ex-situ conservation programme to 69.
The endangered animals were donated by Conservation Through Commercialization (CTC) and were officially received by Assistant Commissioner Geoffrey Mwedde on behalf of the Commissioner for Community Conservation and Ex-situ Wildlife Services, David Musingo.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Thomas Price, the founder of CTC, said the partnership is intended to strengthen Uganda’s national capacity to conserve the endangered species.
Mwedde thanked CTC for supporting Uganda’s wildlife conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of partnerships between government and the private sector.
“It is crucial for the Government of Uganda to collaborate with the private sector to enhance wildlife conservation in this country,” Mwedde said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Recheal, Assistant Commissioner for Ex-situ Wildlife Management at UWA, said the introduction of the African Wild Dogs will enhance research, conservation education and tourism at the facility.
She noted that the new species will provide visitors, students and researchers with an opportunity to learn more about one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores while supporting ongoing conservation efforts.
The addition of the African Wild Dogs forms part of UWA’s broader strategy to strengthen wildlife conservation, promote environmental education and increase public awareness about endangered species in Uganda.
