This year we celebrated the 4th annual Tanzania Day at Flamingo Land Resort.

Tanzania Day is a day to support all things UFP. The Udzungwa Forest Project (UFP) is Flamingo Land’s conservation project in East Africa. The project focuses on working in the Magombera Forest. Here our local Tanzanian team monitor the health of the forest by measuring tree growth, following and recording the activity of the monkeys which call the forest home and patrolling for illegal logging. Cutting down trees for charcoal production is one of the main threats to this unique and fascinating forest.

Flamingo Land’s UFP team also work in the local schools and communities. By working with local people the project is not only protecting the forest but also protecting the livelihoods of those who live in the surrounding areas. Tanzania Day this year saw the Bongo Warriors getting the public involved in their dance routines, Harry the Hornbill showing off his amazing bill and Milo and Mia dancing to Tanzanian music. Harry the hornbill and our barn owl came together to highlight the plight of the forest to our visitors while also getting all the attention that they love.

Our Zoo Manager, Ross Snipp, was exceptionally happy with the day. This year he is accompanying our Director of Conservation, Dr. Andy Marshall, on a visit to the Udzungwa Forest. Here, they will check up on all of the project’s activities while also looking at how UFP can get the forest protected. With this in mind, meetings with WWF, the Tanzanian forestry commission and top government officials is going ahead with the mission being to get the Magombera forest protected. Until this happens, logging of the forest will continue. But UFP founder, Dr. Andy Marshall, is hopeful that the forest will be protected and the unique species of trees and monkeys found there will be safe. If you would like to find out more, or find out what you can do please visit our Facebook page

– Cat Hickey (Zoo Education Strategist)