Camels to be introduced to Zambia's National Parks...

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Levy donates Gaddafi’s camels to Zambians
By Chibaula Silwamba
Saturday January 19, 2008 [03:00] Print Article Email Article

PRESIDENT Levy Mwanawasa has donated his personal camels that were given to him by Libyan President Muammar Al-Gaddafi to Zambians.

In a speech read on his behalf by tourism, environment and natural resources minister Michael Kaingu during the hand-over of four camels to the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) yesterday, President Mwanawasa said although President Gaddafi gave the camels to him, he found it befitting to share them with Zambians.

“In this regard, I am handing the animals over to the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) under the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources, who will manage them on behalf of and for the benefit of the people of Zambia. Accordingly, these animals are here forth the property of the state,” President Mwanawasa said.
He said in the past when Libya donated camels to Zambia, they all died.

“While it is true that camels are desert animals and that the Zambian environment may not be conducive for them, it is also true that with good management these animals can adapt to the Zambian environment and even produce,” he said. “I therefore, wish to challenge you the minister through your wildlife experts to ensure that these animals are well looked after so that they quickly adapt to the new environment and start producing.”

President Mwanawasa urged ZAWA to work with the veterinary services department to ensure that the camels were regularly vaccinated and monitored to ensure that they were not attacked by any diseases.
And ZAWA director general Dr Lewis Saiwana assured that that camels would be protected.

“We will keep them well and ensure that we can have more camels in Zambia so that in future we can also distribute them to some of our National Parks,” said Saiwana.

And Kaingu said the addition of camels to the list of animals in Zambia would enhance tourism products.