The Green Heritage Fund Suriname (GHFS) is pleased to announce the continuation of its successful collaboration with Welttierschutzgesellschaft e.V. (WTG) for an additional two years. This partnership, which began in 2016, has been instrumental in professionalizing animal care and rehabilitation efforts in Suriname.
Since its inception, the collaboration between GHFS and WTG has yielded significant advancements in wildlife welfare. Under the expert guidance of WTG, GHFS has made remarkable strides in enhancing the care provided to rescued animals, particularly within the Xenarthra superorder, which includes sloths, anteaters, and armadillos.
The continued support from WTG will enable GHFS to further its mission of providing top-tier care for rescued animals and advancing wildlife welfare education. Over the next two years, the partnership will focus on:
- Enhancing Veterinary Care: Ongoing training and capacity building for veterinary staff to address the unique health needs of Xenarthrans.
- Educational Outreach: Expanding educational programs to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and the impacts of habitat loss.
- Community Engagement: Organizing public events and workshops to foster a deeper connection between the local community and wildlife welfare efforts.
Monique Pool, the founder and director of GHFS, expressed her gratitude for the continued partnership: “Our collaboration with WTG has been transformative. Their expertise and support have been crucial in elevating the standards of care we provide to our wildlife. We look forward to building on this success in the coming years.”
Key Highlights of the Partnership:
- Professional Transportation for Rescue Animals (2016): The introduction of professional transportation methods for rescued animals, ensuring safe and humane handling.
- Incubator for Baby Animals (2017): Acquisition of an incubator to provide specialized care for orphaned and injured baby animals.
- Opening of Xenarthra Rehabilitation Center (2018): Officially inaugurated by the Minister of Spatial Planning and Land Management and the District Commissioner of Saramacca, this center has become a cornerstone of GHFS’s efforts.
- Sloth and Anteater Medicine Workshops (2019 & 2020): Specialized training workshops for veterinary doctors, focusing on the unique medical needs of these species.
- International Recognition (2020-2021): GHFS’s work has been featured in prominent publications such as National Geographic and The Washington Post, raising global awareness about wildlife conservation in Suriname.
- Addressing Sloth Selfie Tourism (2022): Efforts to combat the harmful practice of sloth selfie tourism were highlighted in international media and through collaborations with influential figures and platforms.
Welttierschutzgesellschaft e.V. (WTG) is a non-profit animal welfare organization based in Berlin, Germany. Founded in 1998, WTG’s mission is to enhance animal welfare globally, focusing particularly on developing and emerging countries where animal protection measures are minimal or non-existent. Their vision is a world where animals are appreciated, respected, and treated according to their needs.
WTG works through various initiatives, including providing veterinary care, supporting animal sanctuaries, and running educational programs to improve animal welfare. One notable educational program is VETS UNITED, which aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of animal health care professionals through both theoretical and practical training.
Additionally, WTG is committed to transparency and sustainability in its operations. They work closely with local partner organizations to ensure that their projects have a lasting impact. In emergency situations, such as natural disasters, WTG also provides immediate relief to animals in need.
For more information about Welttierschutzgesellschaft e.V. (WTG) and its ongoing projects, please visit https://welttierschutz.org/en/.
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