
Zakouma National Park: Where Wildlife Thrives After a Poaching Ban
Zakouma National Park: A Conservation Success Story Zakouma National Park in Chad is a testament to the power of effective conservation. Years of poaching decimated wildlife populations, but a comprehensive ban implemented in 2016 has led to a remarkable turnaround. Recent footage from BBC Earth's Planet Earth III series, featuring actress Shailene Woodley, showcases the park's flourishing ecosystem. "This has been protected land since 1963, but nobody was really managing it," Woodley explains in the video, highlighting the past challenges. The video then contrasts this with the current abundance of wildlife. "Everywhere you looked, there was wildlife coming to life," she adds. The success of Zakouma is due to the collaborative efforts of African Parks and the local Chadian communities. Brahm Arabi, an African Parks guide, emphasizes the importance of this partnership: "We keep this thing up for our future generation. The nature is holding source of the country." This commitment to protecting their natural heritage is inspiring. The video's stunning visuals and powerful message make it a compelling case study in successful conservation. Zakouma's transformation provides hope for other struggling ecosystems and underscores the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts.