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MFG
Members Doing Great Things!
Our institutional members are the backbone of the MFG. They plan,
support, undertake, and cheer on MFG projects. There are also
a number of ways member zoos and their staffs can become more
involved with the MFG, either in Madagascar or at home.
Recent
Zoo Support
Zoos can chose to become involved in specific projects in Madagascar,
either independent projects which are facilitated by the MFG accord,
or MFG projects which need support. These endeavors help the MFG
and create local visibility for your zoo's committment to conservation.
Recent examples include:
- providing
uniforms and supplies for Parc Ivoloina and Betampona
- providing
supplies and desks for Ivoloina's Saturday class
- donating
a set percentage of the sale of a gift shop item (like stuffed
plush lemurs) to a project
- a
program which included a Malagasy-US pen pal club
- providing
funding and graphics for a tomato frog exhibit at Ivoloina
- special
drives or "Madagascar Days" to collect supplies or
funds for particular projects
For
even more ideas, review how groups
can help.
Zoo
Staff & Other Volunteers
Yes, staff members from member zoos also have the opportunity
to volunteer in Madagascar. Several zoos have sent
volunteers in recent years, both to help with exhibit improvements at Ivoloina
and to collect data in Betampona. This can be an amazing opportunity
to contribute directly to conservation while having a real adventure.
Members have also traveled to Madagascar on particular assignments
- providing veterinary training, assessing lemur health at Ivoloina,
or participating in a short term research project. Members who
are working on independent research or projects are assisted with
entry under our accord. Note that we only take volunteers at Ivoloina
under very special circumstances. Click here to learn more. Please
e-mail us if you
want to pursue these opportunities.
Breeding
Programs Outside the Wild
Occasionally, the MFG facilitates animal imports for recognized
breeding programs and asks member zoos to hold these animals as
full participants in the conservation effort. It is important
to emphasize that the MFG's primary purpose is not to obtain animals
for its members. In fact fewer than ten animals have been imported
via the MFG accord in its 12 year history. Nonetheless there are
legitimate requests, usually via Taxon Advisory Groups, IUCN Specialists
Groups, or Species Survival Plans to facilitate animal transfers
and the MFG works with these groups to do so.
Everyone
at the MFG appreciates your generosity.
THANK
YOU - MISAOTRA BETSAKA!
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