Grant in the Spotlight: Frankfurt Zoological Society
Frankfurt Zoological Society project staff in Gonarezhou National Park. Photo credit: Frankfurt Zoological Society.
The Wyss Foundation is excited to announce a $2,900,000 grant to Frankfurt Zoological Society – U.S., an international conservation organization dedicated to protecting wildlife and preserving ecosystems around the world. Through this grant, Frankfurt Zoological Society will continue its critical work of supporting national parks in Africa including Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, Zambia’s Nsumbu-Tanganyika and North Luangwa National Parks, and Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park.
Historically, many of these parks have lacked sufficient resources to protect against poaching and unsustainable resource use. Frankfurt Zoological Society operates in partnership with local officials and communities to protect these unique areas, including through implementation of species reintroduction programs and expanded anti-poaching measures.
“We know that securing large, protected areas is essential to combating climate change and biodiversity loss, and that the biggest challenge is a lack of resources. The Wyss Foundation’s support to Frankfurt Zoological Society has been absolutely critical in safeguarding more than 26,000km2 (10,000 square miles) of intact wildlife habitat, along with supporting local communities,” said Peyton West, executive director of Frankfurt Zoological Society - U.S.
“The incredible biodiversity in these regions of Africa deserves protection,” says Molly McUsic, president of the Wyss Foundation. “Frankfurt Zoological Society prioritizes working at the intersection of community and environment—partnering with local organizations and governments to find solutions that benefit both people and nature. We are proud to support this work.”
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About the Wyss Foundation – The Wyss Foundation is a private, charitable foundation dedicated to supporting innovative, lasting solutions that improve lives, empower communities, and strengthen connections to the land.
About Frankfurt Zoological Society – Frankfurt Zoological Society is Germany’s oldest conservation organization with a mission to conserve wildlife and ecosystems focusing on protected areas and outstanding wild places. The organization works on the ground, in close partnership with national authorities and local communities, to ensure the long-term protection of irreplaceable, biologically diverse landscapes for present and future generations.