Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti ecosystem is a world-renowned natural landscape and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Great Migration involving wildebeest, zebra, and Thomson’s gazelles that takes place here is the largest ungulate migration on earth. With resilient populations of predators and iconic animals such as elephants, giraffes, and rhinos, the Serengeti is a majestic natural landscape.

“Serengeti shall not die” is the title of Bernhard and Michael Grzimek’s academy award-winning 1959 documentary and represents Frankfurt Zoological Society’s (FZS) goal and vision to this day; the Serengeti remains at the core of our conservation work in Africa.

Quick Facts

Project: Serengeti Ecosystem Conservation Project
Serengeti National Park Area Size: 14,750 km²
Support since: 1961
Program Manager: Masegeri Rurai

Serengeti National Park
How we support the Serengeti
Project Partners
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This Husky plane was donated by the German government. It is used for anti-poaching patrolling and surveying in the Serengeti. © Daniel Rosengren

FZS helps establish Community Conservation Banks (COCOBAs), a savings and banking loans model. COCOBAs allow members to access loans to establish conservation-friendly businesses, such as beekeeping. © Daniel Rosengren

FZS and Tanzania National Parks work to co-implement a project called: Serengeti Ecosystem Development and Conservation Project which aims to reconcile the developmental needs of the communities adjacent to the Serengeti ecosystem with conservation goals. © Daniel Rosengren

A ranger in Moru Kopjes, Serengeti, observing rhinos and looking out for poaching activity. © Daniel Rosengren

Aircraft are essential for surveillance of the Serengeti ecosystem. They are used for monitoring, aerial patrols, and wildlife censuses. © Daniel Rosengren

FZS maintains all the patrol vehicles for the rhino protection unit in Serengeti National Park. Keeping service and repair time down, and the patrols out in the field is an essential contribution to protecting the ecosystem. © Daniel Rosengren

The COCOBA banks are long-lasting and sustainable and have been very successful so far. FZS is implementing a Training of Trainers approach to build expert capacity within the district and village levels. © Daniel Rosengren

A Moru Kopjes rhino Ranger, scanning and searching for rhinos. Radio transmitters have been put in the rhinos’ horns that can be tracked with telemetry equipment. © Daniel Rosengren

The Serengeti National Park covers about 15,000 square kilometers. Regular low-flying aerial patrols are necessary to observe the full expanse of the park including the park borders. © Daniel Rosengren

In the Serengeti, tour operators are supporting Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) by funding the FZS supported de-snaring program in the Serengeti. To date, nearly 50,000 snares have been collected, and hundreds of animals have been released alive from snares. © Daniel Rosengren

“Serengeti shall not die” is the title of Bernhard and Michael Grzimek’s academy award-winning 1959 documentary and represents our goal and vision to this day; the Serengeti remains at the core of our conservation work in Africa. © Daniel Rosengren

The Seronera workshop services key anti-poaching vehicles. In a normal month, trained staff will service and repair around 40 vehicles. © Daniel Rosengren

How we support the Serengeti

Serengeti Ecosystem Management Project

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News from Tanzania

08/26/2025News
Environmental protection starts small
08/26/2025News
Environmental protection starts small
Through grassroots microfinance groups known as Community Conservation Banks, FZS supports the financial independence of people living near protected areas—while ensuring that this development is ecologically sustainable.

Tanzania
04/22/2024Press release
Nyerere – Selous – Mikumi Ecosystem Aerial Wildlife Survey Results
04/22/2024Press release
Nyerere – Selous – Mikumi Ecosystem Aerial Wildlife Survey Results
Results of the Selous Mikumi Wildlife Census announced: “We are pleased to report that compared to the previous census (2018), the current census revealed most species to have remained stable”, said the Director General of TAWIRI, Dr. Eblate Ernest Mjingo.

Tanzania
06/07/2023News
In Loving Memory of Captain Bernard Michael Shayo
06/07/2023News
In Loving Memory of Captain Bernard Michael Shayo
The world of conservation and aviation mourns the loss of a true champion today. Captain Bernard Michael Shayo, a passionate and dedicated conservation pilot, who tragically lost his life in a plane crash on May 18, 2023.

Tanzania

Project Partners

Successful conservation is always the result of great teamwork. We collaborate with local communities, national authorities, and conservation organizations. Our partners make our conservation work possible.