‘Badly needed’ animal centre opens

TAWESO Director Brittany Hilton and Dr. Jane Goodall cut the ribbon as Executive Director Thomas Kahema looks on, at left. Photo: Daniel Hayduk

TAWESO Director Brittany Hilton and Dr. Jane Goodall cut the ribbon as Executive Director Thomas Kahema looks on, at left. Photo: Daniel Hayduk

The first animal welfare centre in Tanzania was officially opened in Mbezi Beach Sunday afternoon by world renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall.

“It is desperately, badly needed,” says Goodall, praising Tanzania Animal Welfare Society (TAWESO) Director Brittany Hilton for her initiative in helping ensure a culture of respect for animals is fostered in Tanzania.

“The thing I love about this place is that there aren’t lots of rows of concrete cells with dogs imprisoned … that’s the normal for an animal shelter,” says Goodall.

“It’s continuing my vision of a better world for all. If I didn’t have to raise every single penny for trying to keep our projects going in chimpanzee sanctuaries, I would have sponsored one of these enclosures and named it for my dog Rusty who taught me, long before I met the chimpanzees, that animals have personalities, minds and feelings.”

The Mbezi Beach centre, which will operate solely on donations, is to be a role model for how animals are supposed to be treated, says TAWESO chairman William Kwalazi.

“We have a ‘one health’ approach,” says Kwalazi, “the health of humans is connected to the health of animals and the environment.”

Hilton says that concept is echoed in the TAWESO’s slogan: Tupo Pamoja.

“It’s a very cruel reality for animals in Tanzania and we want to breed a generation of people who live in harmony with animals.”

TAWESO, which operates in partnership with Goodall’s Roots and Shoots organization, can be reached any time at +255 752 660 101.

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