The local context
The municipality of Natitingou is located in a valley at the foot of the Atakora mountain range in north-west Benin. The region has long benefited from a tourism-based economy, thanks in particular to its proximity to the Pendjari National Park, a remarkable site renowned for its significant biodiversity. Unfortunately, for several years now, terrorist incursions on Benin's northern borders, including in the Pendjari, have forced Benin to close the park, drastically reducing tourism and the economy throughout the area.
As urban populations grow, so do the number of conflictual interactions between animals and people.
Project objectives
Degaule Panda, nicknamed in Benin the wise fool, Degaule takes in and cares for animals (snakes, monkeys, crocodiles, etc.) in a 1,500 m2 space in Natitingou, a town in north-west Benin. Since he was 10 years old, Degaule has had a very special relationship with the animals he now takes in, who live freely in his home.
In order to improve the well-being of the animals and increase its capacity to accommodate them. Degaule is looking to acquire and develop 7 hectares of land, planted with trees and rich in medicinal plants. HUMY, which has been working to preserve biodiversity in Benin for nearly 20 years, has decided to support Degaule with the help of our partner ODDB. To this end, a fundraising campaign has been set up to enable French donors to participate in the project.
Developing a larger centre, isolated from the city, will allow better monitoring and reception of the wildlife collected. Infrastructure must be put in place to achieve this. This new «Maison des Animaux» could serve as an educational centre for the local population, especially schools.
Securing the Maison des Animaux
The purchase of the 7 hectares outside Natitingou was made possible thanks to a fund-raising campaign on social networks. ODDB and HUMY are now supporting Degaule in the legal structuring of the House of Pets. Part of the funds raised can also be used to support this sanctuary to finance the care and feeding of the animals taken in.
The 7 hectares
The 7-hectare zone requires the erection of signs designating the land as a protected area, and fencing to prevent poaching and logging. Certain infrastructures then had to be prepared to accommodate crocodiles, snakes and other animals requiring special space, although today they all live together very well while they are being cared for. A place for Degaule and his assistants to stay is needed, as well as the installation of a water tower and a pump to draw water from an existing borehole.
Raising awareness
The Animal House is already serving as a natural place of learning for the neighbours, especially the children, who regularly come to help Degaule. It teaches them how to protect themselves and any animals that come into contact with the villagers.
Degaule Panda is a very popular person in Benin and he is a great teacher. It therefore seems appropriate to organise awareness-raising sessions throughout the country, to be run by Degaule with the help of our partners ODDB and ECODEC. This would start in the areas where HUMY operates. These actions would make it possible to disseminate Degaule's respectful view of the animal world, and to share appropriate gestures and attitudes to protect oneself and the animals that come into contact with the villagers.