 CHRIS BANKS, MANAGER GLOBAL CONSERVATION Chris manages international partnerships in Zoos Victoria. In this particular program, he supports people and wildlife. His role is that of facilitator of the above-mentioned partnerships. Zoos Victoria is part of the State Government. It is a zoo-based conservation organization, with a moral purpose. It focuses on threatened species and community conservation. Everything is under the fighting extinction umbrella. Increasing the number of animals and decreasing the threats. Threats are all driven by people. Community conservation campaigns are underpinned by research. A depth of research is required. Chris cited two examples of some of the community campaigns undertaken. Firstly, Romer's Tree Frog in Hong Kong, which needed to be saved when the new airport was being built. The frogs were removed from the site, bred in another location and returned to the habitat. Secondly, the way the Philippine Crocodile was monitored under the auspices of the Mabuwaya Foundation. Community-based sanctuaries work because of community involvement. The people, especially the children in the area, love it. Members of The Rotary Club of Canterbury asked very interesting questions. Some members questioned the definition of conservation and how it was being implemented. The slaughter of crocodiles, according to Chris, is needless, with killings taking place at the hands of the people. He appreciated the loss of funds due to the money diverted to COVID19 and acknowledged government funding issues which have contributed to pressures on the zoo's programs. Chris' presentation was a detailed and hard-hitting one, in which the harsh reality of the current situation was openly acknowledged.
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