UWEC calls for aid as COVID-19 rages on

ENTEBBE - Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) is calling upon the public to come to their aid to support the 320 individuals of animals there that cost sh3m per day to feed. This was aired on a virtual fundraising event where Armstrong Engineers donated sugar, flour and fruits.

"The annual projections have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic since March," revealed the executive director James Musinguzi, "And even if we are to open up we will not meet our financial expectations."

Adding that, the animals are not starving currently, UWEC is challenged to sustain them as requirements increase.

"But after a tiger in the USA was infected by the virus and a dog suffered the same fate, UWEC cannot take any chances," stressed Musinguzi. "The more reason we need more gloves, sanitizers and shields to safeguard them from any form of infection."

This is at a time when UWEC has a pride of nine lions, cheetahs, rhinos and giraffes besides the primates. The animal nutritionist Jimmy Mugunga said feeding the animals undergoes thorough hygienic checking.

"We prefer to receive either cash and management orders from our suppliers or you deliver live cows, goats and birds," said Mugunga. "The primates have a diet which is not very different from that of humans. They consume sugar, maize bread, fruits and sugar cane."

In the same tone, Dr Rachael Mbabazi said the institution needs medicine to treat the ailing animals, control their birth and protect the human to animal transfer of diseases.

"Consequently, UWEC could do with hand gloves, family planning medicines, implants and paracetamol which we import from South Africa."

Concerned callers wondered why UWEC spends sh3m on animals in captivity every day instead of returning them to the wild where there are more than nine parks.

"Unfortunately returning these vulnerable animals back to the wild is like sending them to a death bed," said animal keeper Dan Mirembe. "The elephants were orphaned when their parents were killed for ivory by poachers. They have grown up here and are not able to navigate their way in the wilderness where survival is for the fittest."  

The same applies to birds, primates and reptiles salvaged from poachers and dealers while in transit at Entebbe International Airport.

"Of the 90 species of mammals found in Uganda, UWEC has 54 of them in custody after surviving death and captivity," explained Musinguzi. "Their environment is the closest to nature that an animal can get in a zoo."