CONSERVATION
Buhusi: An Update

(An update of her article in June/July 2005 on Buhusi Zoo, to read the first article click here)

by Laura Simms
October 2005

This summer the Lion’s Roar project at Buhusi Zoo near Bacau made unprecedented changes in how the animals are cared for, and began to lift the veil of hopelessness in the Buhusi community as a result. As children and adults involved themselves in upgrading the conditions at the zoo and its grounds in the middle of their impoverished city there was a feeling that working together toward renewal of something loved in the community might overcome trying circumstances.

In a groundbreaking meeting between the Primaria, the Ministry of Education, the Lions’ Roar, a Romanian biologist and two zookeepers from Switzerland and Mississippi we were able to strategise about the future of the zoo and its effect on economic growth, tourism and resilience in the city of Buhusi. We outlined what was needed urgently before the winter to protect the animals, and the children who find pleasure and hope in what they now consider “their” zoo. The mayor pledged wood for the winter, and designs for a safe entrance and cages; the Ministry of Education pledged proper signs for information and safety, and innovative planning for an education programme, and Lion’s Roar pledged financial help, strategic advice and medical expertise for animals that would bring training to local vets and caretakers. APAR, an animal welfare charity, donated medicine and medical help. Cages were disinfected, dogs, cats and dingoes no longer have fleas and are much healthier. The sick lions are responding well to the medicine they are being given.

But we still have a long way to go. When children now come to the zoo they remark on the cleanliness of the cages and the cheerfulness of the animals. The children have planted a garden and we are harvesting vegetables for food for some of the animals, and we built a small bathing pool for the storks with damaged wings, and a veritable jungle gym for the baboons who bring constant delight now rather than depression to those who visit them. The changes are tangible, and the potential impact tremendous if we can raise the funds and awareness necessary to run the zoo properly and bring it up to EU standards. This might help all of Romania’s 32 zoos.

Lion’s Roar has hired two people to work full time at the zoo: a biologist who will study to become a zoo director, and a construction worker who worked side by side with our caretakers and the two international volunteers this summer learning about animal care, health and safety issues and what needs to be done in terms of immediate repairs and expansions. Every day the cages are cleaned, the grounds tended and proper food is given to animals. Teenage volunteers appear almost daily to pitch in with the work.

Presently, we are seeking immediate funds in order to secure the entrance and repair it so that the animals are safe. We need to replace the roof on one of the horse’s concrete indoor stables so that they are protected from the rain and snow and we desperately need to keep up the good health of the animals so that they are not suffering. We are certain now that such inner transformation is at the heart of sustainable development. If anyone can help us we promise results, and a model for all of Romania, including publicity and the satisfaction that this project will make a huge difference.

More information on Laura Simms' work can be found at www.laurasimms.com.