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The New Zoo for Addis Ababa
Origins and Aims
The
development of a new zoological garden in Addis Ababa is a project that
brings together a number of global aims: conservation, urban development
and capacity building. This project was triggerd by the suboptimal
conditions under which the lions live in the Lion Zoo in Addis Ababa.
These animals descend from the lions that traditionally lived on the
palace grounds in Addis Ababa because the lion is the national animal of
Ethiopia. It is probable that these fifteen adult lions and three cubs
are either a subspecies of their own or a subspecies that is extinct
elsewhere (Berber Lions, Cape Lions). Due to their uniqueness and their
cultural significance it is of highest priority to house these animals
under appropriate conditions. Unfortunately, in 2006 several cubs had to
be euthanized due to a shortage of space. This should be avoided under
all circumstances in the future. A new comprehensive concept for the zoo
in Addis Ababa is to be developed and the city partnership between Addis
Ababa and Leipzig is an ideal platform for this project. The zoos of the
two cities have been working together on veterinary issues since early
2007. On top of that the City of Addis Ababa has asked the City of
Leipzig to support the development of the Addis Ababa Zoo. The project
for the new zoo will not only house the lions in ideal conditions, but
offers the possibility to showcase efforts to tackle global issues like
conservation, urban development and capacity building.
Conservation
A great number of
international conventions and programs support the protection of the
earth‘s biodiversity and the cultural heritage of mankind. In order to
realize these goals both expertise and education are necessary. The aim
of a modern zoo is to connect both these acitivities. Ethiopia has a
rich and unique endemic fauna which is threatened by extinction in many
cases. Because of their unique wildlife a number of game reserves are
under protection, e.g. the Simien Mountains are inscribed in the
UNESCO‘s World Heritage List. Despite various efforts against poaching
and unplanned human settlements there remains a great need to protect
Ethiopia‘s biodiversity. The zoo can serve as a source of information,
explanation and raise awareness among the broader, interested public
about the value of the local fauna and its protection. The zoo should
not only focus on the lions with their zoological and cultural
significance, but offer all regions of Ethiopia a chance to present
their unique fauna and to sensitize the population to conservation
issues. Moreover, the transfer of research and knowledge would be
intensified through co-operation between Leipzig and Addis Ababa zoos
and new cooperation with the Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary
Anthropology and members of the World Zoos and Aquariums Association.
The new zoo should serve as a conservation platform to foster the
scientific basis and public awareness of Ethiopia‘s biodiversity.
Urban Development
Megacities are already a
reality in Asia and Latin America. African cities have rarely reached
those dimensions, but will do so in future. Urban growths in Addis Ababa
is rapid. Today the city has four million inhabitants, in the next
decade it will reach six million. This makes Addis Ababa a megacity of
tomorrow. The urban fabric is extremely dense and compact due to poverty
and the lack of affordable public transport. Open spaces and more so
green spaces hardly exist and can only be realized if there is a
specific program for their use. The establishment of a zoological garden
offers a unique opportunity to create a green space within the city
which is protected from settlement and yet remains accessible to all.
Such oasis in the dense urban fabric are urgently required and have high
ecological and social value in view of ongoing urban growth.
Capacity Building
The worldwide focus
of development cooperation has shifted from large infrastructure
projects to structural issues and capacity building. The zoo project in
Addis Ababa connects various fields of development co-operation. It
facilitates transfer of knowledge and capacities in various areas, e.g.
zoology, conservation, veterinary medicine, education, marketing,
project management, urban planning and architecture. All of these issues
can be operationalized on the platform of the city partnership. Through
this project capacities can be very concretely developed through
on-the-job training and cooperation.
Status and Opportunities
The Lion Zoo in Addis Ababa
The existing Lion Zoo in
the north of Addis Ababa is home to fifteen adult lions and three lion
cubs that are housed in eight cages. The lion enclosure conforms to
minimum standards but does not comply with international recommendations
for species-appropriate accommodation. The visitor experience is limited
by the double grill, reflective railings and the fact that a special fee
has to be paid for closer viewing. In addition, there is no room to
extend the 1.5 hectare area which is located in a dense inner-city area.
In the short term it
would be possible to improve the lion enclosure by simple means such as
increasing the cage area, using sand as a species-appropriate surface
and new dark coloured railings to reduce reflection. In the long term
however it is not possible to upgrade the existing premises to
international standards.
Despite its
limitations the Lion Zoo draws about one million visitors per year and
is an important institution in Addis Ababa. This demonstrates the
potential that a zoo planned according to today‘s standards would have.
Ethiopian Landscapes and Endemic Species
(Mixed-species exhibits)
Endemic species
The new zoological
gardens in Ethiopia‘s capital city should aim to sensitize citizens to
the beauty of their homeland, its landscapes and its fauna. It should
educate them about the value of the endemic species and the biological
and ethical background of their conservation. Therefore only species
that are or were found in Ethiopia should be selected for the zoo,
especially those which are threatened by extinction. The housing of the
"Abyssinian" lion plays a central role in this approach. Furthermore,
the zoo should serve as a research centre and a link to the national
parks (ex-situ and in-situ conservation). As part of an integral tourism
strategy the zoo can be a departure point for trips to the national
parks.
The endemic species
should be mixed according to their regional origin in Ethiopia in
landscaped enclosures featuring the respective regional flora and
topography. The premises should be designed according to the principle
of ‚immersing exhibits‘. The animals appear in their natural
environments while necessary barriers and technical facilities are
hidden. The grounds should not be completely visible from one single
point so that visitors can experience the landscape through several
vistas.
Ethiopian Landscapes (the following landscapes have been suggested):
- Awash-Canyon and Savannah
- Simien-Mountains
- Danakil-Depression
- Ogaden-Desert
- Blue Nile-Riverbank
- Omo-Valley
A total size of 25 ha for
landscapes, aviary, closed enclosures, petting zoo, service areas,
visitor centre and research centre is estimated. Further design features
are based on typical elements of the Ethiopian landscape. Acacias and
Junipers should be planted. Baobab (Adansonia digitata) and
African Tulip (Spathodea campanulata) are suitable to provide
shade and decoration. However, it is necessary to clarify whether the
Baobab can grow at high altitudes. Borders and barriers can be made as
moats, dry ditches or fencing hidden in thorn-bushes or stone walls.
Shaded walkways and ‚hides‘ (observation huts) should be provided for
the visitors. The entrance can be designed as a lion gate.
Aims
The equally important
tasks of the zoo are in accordance with the aims of the World
Conservation Strategy of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums:
- promote environmental education, wildlife conservation and
environmental research
- promote conservation in close cooperation with the national parks
- sensitize the public to the necessity of conservation and biodiversity
- participate in research and teaching
- design of the zoo as a site for leisure and entertainment
Awash Canyon and Savannah |
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Species:
- Grevy‘s zebras (highly endangered species)
- Oryx beisa
- Swayne‘s hartebeest
- Greater and Lesser Kudu
- Common warthog
- Spotted hyena
- Marabou stork
- Kori bustard
- Cormorant
- Hornbill
- Leopard tortoise
Landscape:
- designed as a typical acacia-savannah with the Awash Canyon as a centre
piece
- confluence of two rivers (origin of canyon) could serve as a natural
barrier
- artificial waterfall could be created and the water could flow to the
next themed world
- trees would have to be protected by electric devices
- separate, but visually integrated space for spotted hyenas |
Facilities:
- three or four lockable shaded enclosures for the antelopes, likewise
for the hyenas
Conservation:
- special efforts are to be made to preserve the Grevy‘s zebras (almost
extinct in the wild)
- cooperation with the European Endangered Species Program (EEP) so that
animals from European
zoos (incl. Leipzig) could be made available for controlled release into
the wild
Education:
- information on the ecological niche of certain species of savannah
animals
- detailed information on the biology and conservation of Grevy‘s zebras
Research:
- survey on the distribution and numbers of Grevy‘s zebras in Awash
National Park
- investigation of their migration, their nutritional basis with regard
to competition for pastures
with domesticated animals and control of their health status aimed at
the improvement of in-situ
protection.
Size: 4 ha |
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Blue Nile Riverbank |
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Species:
- Hippopotamus
- ‚Abyssinian‘ lion
- Black-backed jackal
- Porcupine
- Nile crocodile
- Vultures
Landscape:
- landscape should be created as a lagoon with sandbanks for the
hippos and crocodiles
- connected to a savannah landscape
- typical elements such as rock formations with trees, acacia
and juniper bushes
- first of its kind in the world to group together both hippos
and ‚Abyssinian‘ lions
- important to provide shelters as a retreat for the lions like
rock formations which cannot be
accessed by the hippos
- bushes need electric devices for protection |
Facilities:
- lockable shaded enclosures for the hippos
- at least five spacious, partly shaded cages for the lions
- heatable shelters where the crocodiles can be temporarily
locked in
Conservation:
- program to manage the lions which are currently kept in the
Lion Zoo in Addis Ababa
- genetic taxonomy is to be determined
- breeding program is to be established for their conservation
Information:
- history and biology of the biblical "Abyssinian" lion
Research:
- determination of subspecies through genetic investigation
- to be pursued in cooperation with the Max-Planck-Institute for
Evolutionary Anthropology
- survey on the numbers of this lion phenotype in the wild in
Ethiopia
Size: 1,5 ha |
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Simien Mountains |
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Species:
- Nubian or Walia ibex (very rare)
- Mountain nyala
- Menelik's bushbuck
- Gelada baboon
- Mountain reedbuck
- Klippspringer
- Rock dassie
- Ethiopian wolf (highly endangered species)
Landscape:
- partly arranged as a mountainscape with a torrent, partly flat
and grassy
- latter is for Gelada baboons (questionable whether moats can
prevent their escape)
- facilities for breeding program of the Ethiopian wolf separate
from the other animals and out of sight of visitors
Facilities:
- two or three lockable shaded enclosures for the antelopes and
bucks
- cages for temporary accommodation of Gelada baboons to be
integrated into the mountains |
Conservation:
- in-situ project for the Ethiopian wolf for protection from
diseases especially rabies and to fight the growing population
of wild dogs
- ex-situ program: breeding station that serves as a gene pool
- survey on the numbers of walia ibex and mountain nyalas and
bushbucks
Education:
- biology of the Ethiopian wolf
- awareness of the factors that are leading to its extinction
- social behaviour of the Gelada baboons
Research:
- program for anti-rabies inoculation with the help of baits
- analysis of conditions for release in the wild
- a fertilisation control program for wild dogs in the habitat
of the Ethiopian wolf in cooperation with the Leibnitz Institute
for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin
Size: 3 ha |
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Danakil Depression |
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Species:
- Cheetah
- Patas monkey and baboons
- Waterbuck
- Roan Antelope
- Warthog
- Pangolins
Landscape:
- short savannah grass as main feature
- few scattered rocks and logs
- two or three large trees for shading protected with electronic
devices
- grouping together of cheetahs with Patas monkeys, waterbucks,
antelopes
- pangolin‘s sleeping dens visible for visitor
- temporary separate areas for male and female cheetahs in order
to stimulate reproduction
- separate area for cheetah cubs
- retreats for monkeys, e.g. sufficient trees as the grouping of
cheetahs with monkeys in one landscape bears a certain risk |
Facilities:
- lockable, shaded enclosures for the antelopes
- lockable huts for the cheetahs
- cages for the monkeys
Conservation:
- survey on the numbers of cheetahs including their reproduction
rates and living conditions
- ex-situ breeding program for cheetahs aimed at their release
into the wild
- in-situ research program aimed at improvement of living
conditions (number of and potential competitors for bait)
Education:
- biology of the cheetah
Research:
- formulation of a guideline for the release of cheetahs into
the wild
Size: 1,5 ha, divisible |
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Ogaden Desert |
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Species:
- Somali wild ass (highly endangered species)
- Hamadryas baboon
- Large Antelopes
- Soemmerring's gazelle
Landscape:
- main purpose is to house endangered wild ass
- shared ground with one baboon species and one antelope species
Facilities:
- two or three lockable shaded enclosures for wild ass and
antelopes
- cage units for the Hamadryas baboons |
Conservation:
- special efforts for the protection of the Somali wild ass
- cooperation with the European Endangered Species Program (EEP)
for provision of wild ass from European zoos (or from Qatar) for
their controlled release into the wild
Education:
- biology and protection of wild ass
Research:
- survey on the distribution and numbers of wild ass in Awash
National Park
- investigation of their migration, their nutritional basis with
regard to competition for pastures with domesticated animals
- control of health status
Size: 2 ha, divisible |
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Omo Valley |
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Species:
- Giraffe
- Black rhinoceros
- Hunting dog
- African Buffalo (together with rhinoceros)
- Eland (together with giraffes)
- Tiang
- Grant‘s gazelle
- Thomson‘s gazelle
- Nile lechwe or White-eared kob
- Oribi
- Ostrich
- Secretary
- White stork, Cormorant, Pelican, Flamingo
Landscape:
- savannah landscape with lake to separate rhinoceros from
giraffes
- features of South-Western Ethiopian landscape which is linked
to the fauna of the East-African savannas
- enclosure for hunting dogs to be integrated
- breeding facilities for flamingos to be protected |
Facilities:
- three to four lockable, shaded enclosures for antelopes
- one each for rhinoceros and giraffes
- cages for hunting dogs
Education:
- life and protection of hunting dogs
- significance of conservation of rhinoceros
- migration of storks
Research:
- phenotypic and genetic differentiation of the three subspecies
of rhinoceros in Ethiopia
Size: 5 ha, divisible |
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Large mixed-species aviary |
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Species:
- Various turtles
- Non-poisonous snakes
- Various saurians
- Egrets
- Small storks
- Raills
- Various ducks
- Weaver
- Taranta lovebird
- Bee-eaters
- Various kingfishers
- Aardvark
- Guenther‘s dikdik
- Beira antelope
- Rock dassie
Landscape:
- access on two levels
- features: waterfall, riverbank, lagoon, adobe wall, rock
formation
- membrane roof: partly closed for shading, partly tightly
meshed for air, partly air-conditioned |
Conservation:
- ex situ: protection of beira antelope
- setting up of an orphanage
- ex situ: breeding of endemic Taranta lovebird and Rouget's
raill
Education:
- biology of the Beira antelope, life of egrets and stork
colonies
Research:
- survey on the numbers of the Beira antelope in Ethiopia in
cooperation with Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, Qatar, and
analysis of the high susceptibility for diseases of this species
ex-situ
Size: 1 ha |
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Small closed enclosures |
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Species:
- Vervet monkey
- Small predators sized from leopard to caracal
- Birds
- Reptiles, especially snakes and saurians |
Landscapes:
- natural design, front with glass, other areas spanned with
tight mesh
- huts as protection and lockable enclosures which are out of
sight of visitors
- the small aviaries should be decentrally located within
certain landscapes
Size: 0,5 ha |
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Petting Zoo |
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- Stables for various sheep and goat races, partly accesible
for visitors
- Donkey
- Dromedary
- Domesticated pigs
- additional: camel riding |
Education:
- process of domestication
- significance of domesticated animals
Size: 1 ha |
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Visitor Centre |
Research Centre and Service Areas |
- visitor centre with education centre for conservation
(Ark) close to the entrance
- zoo school for children
- zoo shop approx. 250 sqm close to entrance / exit of circuit
- lodge accommodating high standard food and beverages with view
of lions (Blue Nile)
- two or three food and beverages counters with shaded seating
- zone for resting
- zone for extension
Size: 5 ha |
Research Centre:
- offices and laboratories for researchers
- small conference and meeting facilities
- exhibition and information area in connection with visitor
centre
Size: 0,5 ha
Service Areas:
- fodder storage and fodder preparation
- animal hospital with mews for sick animals and separate
quarantine
- administration building including changing rooms and sanitary
spaces
- workshops |
Planning
Location and Accessibility
The zoo should be an
integral part of the urban system of Addis Ababa and accessible for
every citizen. A major factor for this is connection to public transport
and the accessibility on foot as the majority of inhabitants cannot
afford public transport. A central location is therefore essential.
Size and Extension
The above mentioned
program for the zoo requires an area of approximately 25 ha. Phasing and
future extensions are to be kept in mind.
Traffic
Two to three million
visitors are expected per year. Areas for parking of private cars and
especially for public transport like buses and minitaxis have to be
provided. Connections to buslines are vital.
Ecology and Sustainability (Green Goal)
The zoo
should become a model of best-practice in sustainable, social and
ecological development of the city (green goal). This requires a careful
use of resources and organic integration into the city‘s labour, trade
and tourism structure. Valuable public green spaces should be protected
and / or even enlarged. The zoo should be organized according to the
principle of recycling especially with regard to water and waste.
Territory
The
site should have a natural or artificial river and possibilities to dam
the water. The territory should be mainly arid and a few hills are
desirable to avoid the use of artificial rocks. Swampy areas are
desirable for certain landscapes. It would be best to use existing
trees. Emissions and Immissions: The issues of emission and immission
are to be considered with regard to noise (traffic, airport, industry),
air (smells), water (quality), soil (contamination) and traffic flow.
Water and Energy
The new site of the zoo
must provide sufficient amounts and quality of water throughout the
year. Areas for water storage and treatment might be required. Reed
filteration or the collection of rainwater in cisterns to be piped
directly to the plants are low tech solutions which require large areas.
However, these can be visually integrated. Energy has to be provided in
sufficient quantities. Solar energy can be used to heat water and air or
to generate electricity.
Waste Management
The site should provide
sufficient areas for recycling of waste. Biological waste can be
converted into compost or biogas. The waste generated by visitors should
be recycled.
Security
The zoo has to
be properly secured to prevent animals from escaping as well as to
prevent poaching and theft. A fence of a minimum height of three meters
with barbed wire is required and can be visually integrated. The
entrance zone especially can be protected by a large moat.
Circulation
A
hierarchy of pathways offers each visitor an individual way of
experiencing the zoo: boulevards, short-cuts, loops and trails can be
connected in various ways. Staff: About 200 staff (150 animal keepers
including feeders) are required for the abovementioned program. Housing
for staff should be provided on the premises.
Fodder
The required
amounts of fodder per year are as follows: 50 t meat, 500 t green
fodder, 200 t hay incl. alfalfa, leaves,100 t vegetables, fish.
Location
Location one - Central Park
The first possible
location Central Park is near the city centre between the two main
arteries Bole Road and Olympia. Here, one of the many North-South river
valleys spreads out and it is one of the few green spaces in the city.
Today it is used for ‚urban farming‘ and as a ‚Peacock Park‘. There is
already an ‚illegal‘ settlement in the middle of this green space.
Original foliage still exists. The topography is varied and ideal for
the planning of a zoo. There are flat and hilly areas and a river valley
that can be used as a border and a design feature. The location offers
little possibility in terms of space for future extensions. Also, it
lies hidden from the main roads and is not very visible.
Location two - Ring Road Park
Location two Ring Road
Park is near the airport and directly accessible from the Ring Road. The
large open space has been defined as a green space in the Structure
Plan. A new stadium is to be built near this location on the opposite
side of the Ring Road. Currently there are few existing trees but there
is a lot of available space for future extensions of the zoo. The noise
pollution due to the proximity of the airport needs to be measured and
the water supply needs to be analysed.
Project Timeline (updated February 2008)
1) Foundation Phase - completed
Aim:
to introduce and kick-start the project in Addis Ababa and
Leipzig
September 2007:
Based on several visits to Addis Ababa since
February 2007 and consultations with experts in zoology and urban
planning, the City of Leipzig and the Leipzig Zoo have drafted a concept
paper including proposals on zoology, conservation, education, research,
urban planning, ecology, project management, funding and capacity
building.
Output:
concept paper for new Addis Ababa Zoo
December 2007:
Zoo Committee will visit Leipzig City and Zoo in
order to foster the partnership between the experts from the two cities
and exchange
information and material for further planning of the project.
2) Fact-finding Phase - completed
Aim:
to clarify the basic planning data for the project and to prepare
for first workshop
October - December 2007:
Addis Ababa Team:
- Identification of project partners and appointment of team members
- Audit and discussion of the concept paper with stakeholders
- Coordination of stakeholder‘s inputs (conservation, research,
education, tourism, planning, etc.)
- Preparation of teambuilding workshop (dates, trips, data, venue,
technical equipment, personnel, etc.)
Leipzig Team:
- Clarification of financial support of the workshop by German donors
- Appointment of zoological planning team
- Gathering of data for a qualified consideration of zoological planning
criteria (selection and availability of species, survey of conservation
strategies and programs, aims of educational programs)
- Appointment of spatial planning team
- Gathering of data for a qualified consideration of spatial planning
criteria (infrastructure, traffic, water, energy, waste management and
urban issues)
- Appointment of Zoo director and board
- Gathering of data for a qualified consideration of financial planning
criteria
Output:
documentation of planning criteria for new Addis Ababa Zoo
3) Teambuilding Phase
Aim:
to introduce all team members, to exchange information, to foster vision
and to define location of the project
Begin of 2008 (max. 3 days) in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa Team:
- Organisation of teambuilding workshop (dates, trips, data, venue,
technical equipment, personnel, etc.)
Leipzig Team:
- Preparation of introduction to best practice projects
- Introduction to best practice projects
- Discussion of all planning criteria and recommendation of location
- Formulation of vision
Output:
selection of location and formulation of vision for new Addis Ababa Zoo
4) Design Phase
Aim:
to formulate a pre-liminary design for the new Addis Ababa Zoo
Spring 2008 (7 days) in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa Team:
- Exchange of information with stakeholders
- Coordination of approval for location by City Administration
- Definition of budget
- Preparation of design workshop
Leipzig Team:
- Preparation of design workshop
- Coordination of experts and consultants
- Requirements for landscapes and facilities according to species lists
- Focal points of research, conservation and education
- "Look-and-feel" and spatial arrangement
- Identification of conflicts and solutions for traffic issues, waste
management, water, energy, emission, immission
- Business plan
- Financing, management, marketing, human resource development, fund
raising, capacity building
Output:
documentation of Design workshop
5) Planning Phase
Aim:
to formulate an integral final plan for the new Addis Ababa Zoo
Summer 2008 in Leipzig
Addis Ababa Team:
- Feedback from and participation of all stakeholders
- Identification of conflicts and possible new solutions
- Approval of Local Development Plan and Strategic Action Plans by City
Administration
Leipzig Team:
- Preparation of masterplan workshop and visits to best practice
projects (zoos in Leipzig, Hamburg, Berlin, ...)
- Organisation of experts for feedback, discussions and consulting in
detail planning
- Presentation and discussion of final concepts for conservation,
education, research
- Feedback from and redesign with expert‘s input
- Strategic Action Plan
- Presentation and discussion of masterplan
- feedback from and redesign with expert‘s input
- Conversion of Masterplan into Local Development Plan
- Presentation and discussion of business concept, marketing concept,
fund raising concept
- Feedback from and redesign with expert‘s input
- Strategic Action Plan
Output:
Masterplan, Business Plan and Strategic Action Plans
6) Implementation Phase 1
Aim:
to organize the legal and financial basis for implementation of
plans for the new Addis Ababa Zoo
End of 2008
Addis Ababa Team:
- Implementation of Local Development Plan and Strategic Action Plans
- Integration of experts into local planning teams
Leipzig Team:
- Selection and placement of integrated experts
- Implementation of Strategic Action Plan for acquisition of animals as
well as conservation and education programs
- Implementation of Local Development Plan
- Implementation of Strategic Action Plan for building process
Output:
groundbreaking ceremony for first African ‚Zoo of the Future‘ and
start of building activities for phase one (lions)
Source:
PDF file of official site of
Leipzig and
Addis Ababa City-partnership (2012)
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