Washington, D.C. – Today, the former President of the FDRE, Girma Wolde-Giorgis, was joined by legendary actress and founder of the Born Free Foundation, Virginia McKenna OBE, to mark the official opening of the new visitor and education centre at Ethiopia’s famous Ensessakotteh – a Wildlife Rescue, Conservation, and Education Centre. The ceremony also celebrated the completion of an important new lion enclosure at the centre that will provide a natural and desperately needed refuge for rescued lions.[teaserbreak]
The ceremony took place in a verdant valley, some 30 kilometres from the capital, Addis Ababa. This natural and picturesque location provides Ensessakotteh with a calm and natural haven for animals that have been confiscated from poachers and the illegal pet trade. Many dignitaries were in attendance at this prestigious event, including Dawud Mume Ali, Director General of the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority, and Adam M. Roberts, CEO of both the Born Free Foundation and Born Free USA. A charming choir of local children poignantly sang ‘Born Free’ at the ceremony.
Adam M. Roberts, Born Free CEO, added, “The Born Free Foundation works dynamically and diligently the world over to conserve wildlife, stop suffering, and rescue individual animals in need. This is a flagship project, and Ethiopia’s wild animals are more secure because of the long-term collaboration between EWCA and Born Free. The great work of our team here in Ethiopia shows what Born Free can achieve with the generosity of our dedicated supporters and fabulous corporate sponsors.”
Ensessakotteh was founded in 2010 and is a joint initiative by the international wildlife charity, the Born Free Foundation (BFF), and the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA). Hailed as the first of its kind in Ethiopia, it was to be a landmark project in the country’s fight against poaching and to offer refuge for cheetah, lion, and indigenous wildlife who were either orphaned and/or confiscated from the illegal trade. Ensessakotteh, meaning ‘Animal Foot Print’ in Amharic, currently offers sanctuary to more than 70 wild animals. The centre houses the rescued animals in 77 hectres of protected wilderness and is supported by Land Rover and a fully equipped Land Rover Defender to assist in the day to day running of the centre and vital rescue work.
‘The Tree House’ Education and Visitors Centre and new lion enclosure are further developments at this iconic centre and mark Born Free’s commitment to ongoing conservation and welfare work in Ethiopia.
Virginia McKenna said, “The creation and development of Ensessakotteh has always held a special place in my heart. Rescuing wild animal victims, combined with educating and inspiring people of all ages about Ethiopia’s unique and beautiful wild creatures, is something I feel deeply about. It symbolises Born Free’s belief in compassionate conservation, its focus on the individual, and its commitment to protect the ever diminishing natural environment. I hope our Tree House Education Centre will become a place of understanding and inspiration. I am deeply grateful to former President Girma and to the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority for their generosity and trust.”
‘The Tree House’ is set to cater for thousands of visiting school children each year. It provides both a base and classroom facilities which will enable the team at Ensessakotteh to carry out environmental education activities. These will include interactive games, role-playing, and writing workshops, all focused on educating the next generation on the importance of conservation and care for animals.
This development at Ensessakotteh is part of a commitment by Born Free to offer educational facilities and programmes in support of conservation in Ethiopia. The charity is devoted to compassionate conservation and animal welfare, taking action worldwide to protect threatened species and stop individual animal suffering.
Dr. Zelealem Tefera, Born Free Ethiopia’s Country Representative, manages the centre. He said: “This is an important day in the history of Ethiopia. For the first time, children and the communities in and around Addis Ababa, and Ethiopia as a whole, will have a first class wildlife education facility. They can come and visit Ensessakotteh and learn about the importance of our natural wildlife heritage. Born Free Ethiopia has a close working relationship with EWCA. The team at Ensessakotteh conduct conservation and environmental education programmes, as well as help the government with wildlife management. The new lion facility will further support our vital work combatting the deadly trade in wild animals.”
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Notes to Editors:
About Born Free
The Born Free Foundation is a dynamic international wildlife charity devoted to compassionate conservation and animal welfare. Born Free takes action worldwide to protect threatened species and stop individual animal suffering. Born Free believes wildlife belongs in the wild and works to phase out zoos. We rescue animals from lives of misery in tiny cages and give them lifetime care.
Born Free protects lions, elephants, tigers, gorillas, wolves, polar bears, dolphins, marine turtles, and many more species in their natural habitats, working with local communities to help people and wildlife live together without conflict. Our high-profile campaigns change public attitudes, persuade decision-makers, and get results. Every year, Born Free helps hundreds of thousands of animals worldwide. For more information about Born Free, please visit www.bornfree.org.uk.