Birds chirp in the trees. They sing different melodies as they usher in the dawn of a new day. This is on Entebbe’s wild side, where over 250 wild bird species await intending patrons.
Sitting on 72 acres, the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC), formerly Entebbe Zoo, plays host to over 400 indigenous wild animals and more than 500 plant species. The centre, which is located along Lake Victoria’s shores, has remained wild. The State House, Entebbe Golf Course, and Entebbe Botanical Garden are all conveniently located nearby.
“This place is the face of Uganda’s conservation and tourism opportunities,” says Scovia Musiimenta, UWEC’s acting marketing officer. “The animals and the ecological systems that patrons encounter here are similar to what we have in Uganda’s national parks.”
Global spotlight
Recent years have been filled with praise for Uganda, indicating a promising future. This includes the Cool List released by National Geographic Travellers, CNN Travel Magazine, and Wanderlust. The National Geographic Travel magazine put Uganda on the list of 19 destinations that tourists must look out for in 2019. The US-based publication ranked Uganda among the top four cool destinations in Africa and the top 16 in the world.
UWEC bigger than zoo
Wildlife officials contend that the centre’s mission has expanded beyond a zoo, despite its establishment approximately six decades ago (1952) with the goal of reintroducing animals into the wild following rescue missions and subsequent rehabilitation.
Musiimenta declared, “We are bigger than a zoo,” adding that the wild animals are free to roam in a larger area where they can also exercise.
UWEC now provides a three-hour “behind-the-scenes experience. “In the past, animals were kept in cages for decades, but this has changed. “Now imagine a behind-the-scenes encounter with these fascinating animals on a one-day tour in one place,” says Musiimenta.
The expanses of land enclosing the animals, also referred to as exhibits, shelter different species of animals. They include what is globally referred to as the big five, namely lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. The patrons will also encounter the shoebill and the chimpanzees in short chimps, as well as the giraffes, which are always crowd-pullers.
Shoebill prostrates
My visits to the centre have always been eventful. I still remember when Dan Mirembe, an animal keeper, accompanied me to the wetland exhibit, where we had a fascinating encounter with the shoebill. Mirembe continued prostrating, and the shoebill responded. The shoebill also kept on blowing air through its large spoon-shaped beaks to show acceptance to Mirembe.
Not far away, revellers watched in amusement. They confessed that this bird (the shoebill) looks aloof but also playful. The Mirembe postulation was part of the shoebill’s social behavior. The revellers also interacted with the chimps residing on the nearby Budongo Island.
While wildlife tourism all over the world has focused on the big mammals—the big five—Uganda has a lot more than the big five. Uganda’s wildlife consists of the big five plus chimpanzees and 1020 species of birds. UWEC provides a sneak peek at what Uganda’s nature tourism offers.
For the past six months, UWEC has been rebuilding to give patrons more than what they have been bargaining for. I cannot wait to see what Musimenta and her team can offer to expectant patrons.
Africa’s best zoo
It follows that Uganda is not only one of the world’s most gifted countries in terms of wildlife but also has some of the best managers. Look at this track record if you are in doubt. The East, Central, and West African regions named UWEC as the best zoo.
“The impact is astounding, and together with the passionate, dedicated staff and essential support, this will take Entebbe Zoo and place it at the forefront of educating people about and conserving Uganda’s natural heritage,” according to a report by the Pan-African association of zoos.
This means that Uganda is also demonstrating good leadership. The African Association of Zoos and Aquaria, the governing body of all zoos in Africa, elected UWEC, according to UWEC’s executive director, Dr. James Musinguzi.
While UWEC offers a snapshot of what is available to see in the Pearl of Africa, it also gives opportunities for young people to build their careers. This has turned out to be a springboard for talent to blossom and assume larger roles across the country and globally.
As I left Entebbe, I could hear the calls of lions and chimps in the distance. I knew that nature was patiently waiting for the next patron.
