18 November 2009
Zoo launches Beads for Wildlife campaign

Werribee Open Range Zoo today launched its exciting new community trade campaign, Beads for Wildlife.

This inspiring project brings to Australia for the very first time the exquisite beadwork made by women from the Rendille Tribe in Kenya.

Zoos Victoria Community Conservation Manager, Rachel Lowry, said the sale of these beautiful beaded products was helping to save wildlife and support communities in drought stricken Kenya.

"Beads for Wildlife already supports 40 women, several of whom are the sole income earners for their families," Ms Lowry said.

"We hope that by increasing community awareness and encouraging Australians to buy this product, we will be able to increase the number of women supported by this program.

"We hope that in the lead-up to Christmas people will consider buying these beautiful beaded products as gifts, and also encourage others to do the same."

The Beads for Wildlife campaign is in support of Zoos Victoria's sister community in the Melako Community Conservancy in Northern Kenya.

Melako Partnerships Coordinator, Brooke Squires, said with livestock dying or being sold due to drought, the income earned by the women was the only thing keeping many families from starvation.

"As a partner, we provide a market for the beadwork enterprise in Australia so women's enterprises, such as the one that supplies Beads for Wildlife, can flourish," Ms Squires said.

The beadwork, which includes Christmas decorations, bangles, necklaces, coasters and key rings can be bought from Werribee Open Range Zoo's Safari Shop or ordered by phone (03) 9731 9610. For more details, visit www.zoo.org.au/beads.

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