Hippo Sanctuary Malawi

 

Ramet Chinyama - a man with a visionA man with a vision!

In 2002 Ramet Chinyama applied to the Wildlife Action Group Malawi for assistance to realize a Bird and Hippo- Sanctuary on his property near Lake Malawi. His idea was to set up an attractive tourism venture and actually make a living by protecting the wildlife on his land. Georg Kloeble, at this time Chairman of Wildlife Action Group in Malawi, drew up a development plan for Ramet Chinyama's sanctuary and funded with the assistance of COMPASS the extraordinary business venture.

Raised observation platforms, a bridge and walkways were constructed. At the entrance a kiosk was built, where Ramet Chinyama could charge entrance fee and sell soft drinks and souvenirs to visitors. 2003 the "Hippo- and Bird Sanctuary Senga Bay" was opened for visitors.

The Bird and Hippo Sanctuary was one of the first private income generating conservation projects in Malawi of such kind. Ramet Chinyama and a number of employees from the surrounding villages did earn a living for his family ...... ...... until disaster stroke!

Hippo Sanctuary after the bush fireA bushfire destroyed  the sanctuary and burned most of the observation platforms down to the ground.

After an appeal of Ramet Chinyama to the Wildlife Action Group International, Georg Kloeble and Susanne Kneissl visited the project area in October 2007.

 The bird-life is still as impressive as before and the hippos are still there... But at the moment they only come at night, because the water of the two little lakes is heating up to much during the day, due to the low water level in the dry season.

The Wildlife Action Group is supporting Ramet Chinyama's efforts to raise funds for to rebuild the sanctuary. Funding is needed for

  • Rebuilding of 5 observation platforms

  • Repairing the kiosk

  • A water gate to maintain the water level in the pools in the dry season

  • Fencing of the sanctuary and construction of Hippo-Gates to keep cattle and goats out of the sanctuary

  • A house for him and his family right in the sanctuary

  • and salaries for employees and workers as well as an business advisor who supports him for at least one year to recover his business

 

Support us to make Ramet Chinyama's vision come true! 

The Bird and Hippo Sanctuary was and could again be an excellent example on man and wildlife's co-existence and how nature conservation earn income.

 

Join us and become a supporter or member of the

WILDLIFE ACTION GROUP INTERNATIONAL