Repatriation from Tana

Last year (2009) Mr. Len (Grade 4) started the process of inquiring about the possibility of repatriating a number of tortoises from Tana back into the
areas from which they come. The obvious educational and conservation value of this exercise has warranted the effort that we have
given it, and it seems that it will bear fruit.

Last year¹s 4th graders (2009) and this year¹s 4th graders (2010)
Collected a sum of money that will help with the project and Mr.
Herilala from the Wildlife Conservation.Society. has assured us that the boma (holding) facility in Tulear is ready to receive the guests.

W.C.S. has a vet who will examine the animals before we have permission to move them. At this stage of the operation we have permission for only one truck carrying a specified number of tortoises to Tulear.

We know that some people will be unwilling to give up their pets and some
may be skeptical about the idea of repatriation. Others may be only too happy to take this opportunity to free their pets from yet another winter in Antananarivo.

The tortoises are being kept in a special area of the school garden till
we can get them vetted and cleaned of parasites

This project forms a practical part of the unit that 4th grade has
been studying: How to care for the earth and what we can do to make a
difference. We sincerely hope that we can rely on your support with
this exciting project. Please contact us if you have any questions about the operation.