Help ALERT recover after COVID-19

FINAL REPORT

We would like to thank our friends and supporters who contributed to our “Help ALERT recover from COVID” project.  

We all know how devastating the pandemic was and the long reaching effects it has had.  ALERT managed to keep functioning although we lost all but 3 of our staff, as the Trust was unable to financially support salaries and some projects.  The three remaining staff operate at Chizarira National Park in the north of Zimbabwe and despite the difficult conditions, managed to continue with the lion and elephant projects as well as the Community projects although the latter was at a very low level as schools were out and mixing with Community residents was not recommended.

Despite taking all normal precautions, all three staff contracted Omicrom, and had to self-isolate at the ALERT research station in Chizarira National Park.  We were at various stages of infection and severity so someone was always able to look after others.  Being so isolated meant that proper medical care was not possible but in any case, our symptoms were not severe.  Apart from tiredness and lack of appetite the small ALERT team was soon back on duty once tests had shown that we were negative.  

The lion and elephant projects are doing well and new movement data is coming in daily which also helps us with our human-wildlife mitigation project.  We have resumed our Environmental Education program in a rural school just outside of the park, and this is well received by the Secondary School students.  Recently a tree planting day was held which was also a success.  Only fruit trees are planted as water is scarce and the possibility of fruit to eat is an incentive for students to ensure that they are watered.

THANK YOU so much to you who identified with our project and who could contribute