To further conservation efforts in Madagascar, the Saint Louis Zoo Facilities Management Division is collaborating with the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group (Parc Ivoloina) in September 2023.
To further conservation efforts in Madagascar, the Saint Louis Zoo Facilities Management Division is collaborating with the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group (Parc Ivoloina) in September 2023.
The Madagascar Fauna and Flora Conservation Action (madagascarfaunaflora.org) projects encompass immediate and long-term activities that aim, for example, to mitigate habitat degradation, improve habitat quality, and enhance the survival of endangered animal and plant species. The focus of this collaboration is to provide much-needed infrastructure repairs to habitats and improvements to a quarantine area as well as train Parc Ivoloina staff on proper welding techniques and safety.
The partnership will provide much-needed infrastructure repairs to habitats and improvements to a quarantine area.
This project is being led by Tom Sehnert and Derek Strunk, both members of the Facilities Management team that maintains much of the Saint Louis Zoo. Strunk manages the Special Construction and Metals Department, which employs four additional welders.
“Every day is a new adventure here at the zoo. You could be constructing a new enclosure for eagles one day then go repair a broken gorilla shift door the next,” Strunk said. “That is why all our welders undergo AWS certification when hired on. Safety is our top priority for employees, guests, as well as our beloved animals.”
The conservation efforts will help mitigate habitat degradation and improve habitat quality.
Sehnert is director of maintenance and oversees the electricians, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, and special construction/metals operations at the zoo. He had the opportunity to visit Parc Ivoloina in 2008 and performed various repairs while on-site. His observations of the difficulties sourcing equipment and materials fueled the fundraising efforts for this project. The need for proper tools, equipment, and education is key to the long-term success of the Parc’s conservation efforts.
“The Parc is located about an hour north of the closest town, Toamasina, and then you have to hike in the last mile or so,” Sehnert said. “There is no electricity at the Parc and the rental of welding equipment/generators and tools is very cost-prohibitive.”
Call to Action
The Saint Louis Zoo is collecting in-kind tool donations until July 15. The items will then be shipped to Madagascar to assure they will arrive before September. All tools and equipment will be left behind for Parc staff to continue to maintain and improve the facility. Due to shipping regulations, only new and unused tools will be accepted.
The following items are needed:
-Small engine-driven generator/welding machine (e.g., Miller Fusion 185, Lincoln Outback 145/185)
-Welding helmets
-Shielded metal arc welding electrodes (6011 3/32 in., 7018 3/32 in.)
-Welding personal protective equipment (e.g., face shields, gloves, glasses, jackets, etc.)
-Battery-powered tools
-4.5-in. angle grinder
-Hammer drill
-Drill
-Impact driver
-Reciprocating saw
-Batteries and chargers
-Waterproof boxes for tool storage (e.g., Milwaukee PACKOUT)
-Consumables
-4.5-in. flap wheels
-4.5-in. cut-off wheels
-Concrete wedge anchors
-Drill bits (steel and masonry)
To learn more or inquire as to how you may help, contact Strunk at dstrunk@stlzoo.org.
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