Our nature conservation story began in Tanzania. Since 1957 we have been working in this country with Tanzanian partners to protect the iconic Serengeti National Park. Over those 60+ years, we have been providing aerial patrol, on-the-ground patrol, and other support, with our work today being much more improved. A dedicated FZS team works closely with local communities surrounding the protected area, with whom alternative livelihood opportunities that are supported by microcredit schemes and workshops are developed.

Since 2012 we also began work in the Selous Game Reserve, originally part of one of the largest reserves in the world. In 2019 this Reserve was divided to make space for the development of a hydropower plant, resulting in the creation of an additional protected area, the Nyerere National Park, which covers over 33,000 km². We support these areas with aerial monitoring flights, equipment for park rangers, and an auto repair shop.

The largest chimpanzee population in the world resides in Mahale National Park, an area we also support. Here we help maintain the population of chimpanzees and assist in expanding the protected area. The communities surrounding Mahale are helping us protect this natural space.

Projects in Tanzania

Project management, monitoring and working with communities

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
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
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
“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

Project updates

  • 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.

  • 06/07/2023News

    In Loving Memory of Aman Mgogollo

    06/07/2023News

    In Loving Memory of Aman Mgogollo

    The conservation community mourns the tragic loss of Aman John Mgogollo, a brilliant and dedicated GIS specialist, who lost his life in a plane crash in Matambwe, Tanzania, on May 18, 2023. With profound sadness, we remember Aman’s exceptional contributions to conservation and his unwavering commitment to preserving our natural … Read more

  • 05/19/2023News

    Two FZS staff and TANAPA ranger killed in tragic plane crash

    05/19/2023News

    Two FZS staff and TANAPA ranger killed in tragic plane crash

    Two of our colleagues and one TANAPA ranger were killed in the crash of our Cessna 182 in Nyerere National Park, Tanzania, on Thursday 18 May.

Contact

Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt von 1858 e.V.
Bernhard-Grzimek-Allee 1
60316 Frankfurt

Telephone: +49 (0)69 - 94 34 46 0
Fax: +49 (0)69 - 43 93 48
E-Mail

You will find our office in the Zoogesellschaftshaus (1st floor).
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