Washington, D.C. — The Born Free Foundation is delighted to hear that Cosmas Mumba, Project Manager of the Born Free-funded Game Rangers International – Zambia Primate Project (ZPP), has been named as one of three finalists for the prestigious Tusk Conservation Award, founded by Tusk Trust in conjunction with HRH The Duke of Cambridge.[teaserbreak]
Born Free has been supporting Cosmas’ important work in Zambia for the past 13 years and this well-deserved accolade is due recognition to a project that has developed into a world class conservation success story. Under Cosmas’ careful stewardship, more than 500 yellow baboons and vervet monkeys have been successfully rehabilitated, having been rescued from the most harrowing conditions, and given a second chance at life back in the wild.
President of the Born Free Foundation, Will Travers OBE, said: “Cosmas is one of Africa’s unsung conservation heroes. His extraordinary work in remote parts of the Zambian bush rescuing and returning primates to the wild is not a job for the faint-hearted and speaks volumes about his dedication and commitment to the cause. I am delighted, on behalf of Born Free, which has supported him and Zambia Primate Project for some years, that he has now received due recognition for all his effort and I hope he will inspire others around the world. We can all do something and Cosmas has shown us how.”
Cosmas was born in Petuake to a rural family who respects nature and loves wildlife. In 2002, he was asked to help release rescued primates back into the wild as part of the pioneering welfare of project ZPP, established by the Born Free Foundation.
He has worked for ZPP since leaving school, working his way up through the ranks to his current position of Project Manager, having started with the project as a casual laborer and cook.
Since then, ZPP has grown to become one of Africa’s most established and successful primate release programs. With Born Free’s ongoing support, its mission is to rescue and rehabilitate injured, orphaned, and illegally held vervet monkeys and yellow baboons for release back to the wild in Zambia. Primate survival rate six months post release currently averages a remarkable 95%.
Dr. Cheryl Mvula, ZPP Senior Technical Advisor, who has worked closely with Cosmas for the last decade, was clearly elated, saying: “I never fail to be impressed by Cosmas’ passion and commitment to wildlife conservation in Zambia, particularly his work with primates. Confiscating illegally held primates and his anti-poaching work has placed him in some very dangerous situations, but his gentle yet steady determination to champion the cause of primates in Zambia has never wavered. I feel privileged to work with such a humble, unsung hero of the conservation world—singlehandedly saving the lives of hundreds of primates. Being recognized for his dedication through a Tusk Award would be so special for him and much deserved.”
The world-renowned Tusk Conservation Awards, developed by Tusk Trust, celebrate excellence in conservation and highlight inspirational conservation work in Africa, ranging from the protection of endangered species and threatened habitats, to the promotion of environmental education, to the development of community driven conservation. The awards are sponsored by Investec Asset Management and Land Rover.
Cosmas will attend the glittering Tusk Conservation Awards ceremony at Claridge’s Hotel, London on November 24.
The Born Free Foundation is a dynamic international wildlife charity devoted to compassionate conservation and animal welfare. Born Free takes action worldwide to protect threatened species and stop individual animal suffering. Born Free believes wildlife belongs in the wild and works to phase out zoos. The Foundation rescues animals from lives of misery in tiny cages and gives them lifetime care. Born Free protects lions, elephants, tigers, gorillas, wolves, polar bears, dolphins, marine turtles, and many more species in their natural habitats, working with local communities to help people and wildlife live together without conflict. The Foundation’s high-profile campaigns change public attitudes, persuade decision-makers, and get results. Every year, Born Free helps hundreds of thousands of animals worldwide. More at www.bornfree.org.uk.
Born Free USA is a global leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation, and public education, Born Free USA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic “pets,” trapping and fur, and the destructive international wildlife trade. Born Free USA brings to America the message of “compassionate conservation”—the vision of the U.K.-based Born Free Foundation, established in 1984 by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the iconic film Born Free, along with their son Will Travers. Born Free’s mission is to end suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation globally. More at www.bornfreeusa.org, www.twitter.com/bornfreeusa, and www.facebook.com/bornfreeusa.
Media Contact: Rodi Rosensweig, 203/270-8929, therodicompany@gmail.com