Animal Keeper's Association of Africa

15 March 2011

IMATA has been in touch with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) to gather more information on the situation in Japan. IMATA feels that the best way for our members to contribute to our colleagues and care of animals in the Japanese aquarium and zoo community is to donate directly to a WAZA fund (http://www.waza.org/en/site/get-involved/donate-for-japan) in which all monies raised will be transferred as a lump sum to the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA) who will, in turn, distribute it as needed. Below you will find a letter from the Executive Director of WAZA, imploring IMATA Members to financially help those so desperately in need. Thank you in advance for your generosity.?

Dear IMATA members!
This is an urgent call for help and support for our Japanese colleagues and friends in the zoo and aquarium community. WAZA has created a donate function on the website, www.waza.org, please help to spread the message and if possible do collect money yourself. WAZA is offering the option to transfer the money as a lump sum to JAZA, they know best how to use the money and what is urgently needed. The sooner we can help the better!

Mr. Kazutoshi Takami of Osaka Municipal Tennoji Zoological Gardens informed us as follows:?“Fukushima aquarium flooded to the second floor. All the staff were evacuated at third floor. Life support system was broken down, and fishes died off. But marine mammals are still alive.?Sendai Marinpia Matsushima aquarium was completely-flooded but miraculously no human damage. We do not have any updated information about them. Sendai Yagiyama Zoo estimates a shortage of feeding stuff. The power is out in Sendai city. JAZA office is trying to coordinate suitable arrangements.”

And just today we received the following update:?“Some affected zoos and aquariums are suffering from shortage of gas, fuel for heater, food and drinking water for both humans and animals. JAZA is considering concrete measures to send feeding stuff to Sendai Yagiyama Zoo. Fukushima aquarium will move their sea mammals and birds to Kamogawa Sea World. Kamogawa will send some vehicles to Fukushima tomorrow. After completion of shipping, staff of Fukushima aquarium will get out of the facility, because they can nothing to do without any feeding stuff and fuel, in addition they have to be concerned about radiation from the atomic power plant.?It is most important for us to secure the adequate means of transport.”

Thank you for your support!
WAZA Executive Office