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About UWEC |
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UWEC was opened in 1952 by the Colonial Government then,
as an animal Orphanage that offered sanctuary to young animals found
abandoned in protected areas due to the death or poaching of parent
animals. In
the early 1960s, it became a traditional zoo and became commonly known
as Entebbe Zoo in which even non-indigenous species like bears and
tigers were kept as an attraction. Because of the
political turmoil and inadequate government funding, the zoo became
continually run down until May 1994 when a proposal was made by the New
York Zoological Society now the World Conservation Society, to turn it
into a conservation education Center for conservation awareness
purposes; hence the name, 'Uganda Wildlife Education Centre Trust'. Since its inception
90% of the entire centre's operation costs have been donor funded.
Currently this is being done by World Bank through the Protected Areas
Management and Sustainable Use (PAMSU) project.
Our Mission
To promote and create an understanding of
conserving the biodiversity in Uganda among the public, with specific
emphasis on the young generation using the facilities at Entebbe.
Our Vision
A Ugandan Public that is well informed about the Biodiversity in Uganda
and hence eager to protect it.
Our Mandated Roles
• Conservation education of the Uganda public
•
Rescue and rehabilitation of animals
• Captive breeding unit for threatened species
• A zoo where people come to see and learn about animals, as well
as a Recreation Park for the Ugandan public
Where do the animals come
from?
All the animals have been rescued from
poachers, illegal trade or accidents. The animals are brought to the
centre by government agencies, animal welfare groups and concerned
citizens like you. The great thing about UWEC is that it is not a
traditional zoo, so we do not capture or purchase animals to show here.
What else is at UWEC?
UWEC is not just about animals. It's about people too! Take your time,
and...
• Stroll through UWEC's 1000 meter forest walk, encountering wild
monkeys, birds and a wonderful view of the Centre and Lake Victoria.
• Enjoy drinks or snacks at our shaded tables.
• Have a family picnic in the garden.
• Take your family for a donkey ride.
• Have fun and buy gifts at the craft shop.
UWEC is now a full day's
exciting destination which has 8 distinct products on offer:
• Over 50 different animal species represented by over 200 animals, all
housed in large, open air enclosures, simulating their natural habitat
in the wild, with interpretations about each animals' biography,
biological and social information.
• A medicinal plants' garden with over 500 herbs, with information about
diseases they cure.
• A 1000m forest trail with free ranging antelope, beautiful debrazza
monkeys, vervet monkeys, hundreds of beautiful coloured butterflies and
indigenous plant species.
• A bird watchers' paradise where one can watch over 250 bird species.
• A long and lovely shoreline of Lake Victoria which has been developed
into a beach.
• Entertainment every Sunday evening by a local cultural group.
• Culture - more often than not, there is a promotion going on at Uwec,
based on the culture of Uganda. Visitors often get to the different
Uganda culture through these promotions.
• An excellent close-up photo opportunity for wildlife in an environment
very similar to the wild.
• Modern visitors facilities including a canteen, kiosk, bar, clean
toilets.
Source: official web of
UWEC (2010)
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