Lincoln Park Zoo

Serengeti Health Initiative

Serengeti Health Initiative

The Serengeti ecosystem encompasses the diversity of the African plains. Herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles sustain themselves on the area's rich grasslands. Predators such as lions and African wild dogs hunt along the savanna, preying on herbivores as they follow the Serengeti's rainfall. Elephants and rhinos charge over the plains; crocodiles and hippopotamuses make their home in the waters.

But while protected areas, such as Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and Kenya's Maasai Mara National Park, provide a haven for wildlife, habitat loss, climate change, human impact and disease continue to threaten this unparalleled ecosystem.

The Serengeti Health Initiative, led by Lincoln Park Zoo, aims to preserve the region's rich wildlife while also benefiting local people. Incorporating wildlife surveillance, vaccination programs and research on how wild animals, domestic animals and humans interact, this collaborative conservation effort is dedicated to building a better understanding of the Serengeti ecosystem, one that can help keep it healthy and whole.

Serengeti Slideshow: Vaccination Day

Graduate researcher Anna Czupryna takes us to vaccination day near Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. By vaccinating domestic dogs against rabies and canine distemper, Lincoln Park Zoo prevents these diseases from impacting local people and wildlife.

Posted on 27 January 2010 | 10:10 am

Serengeti Wildlife Slideshow

Graduate researcher Anna Czupryna shares some of the cool critters she saw during her trip to the Serengeti. Some of these animals, such as the lions, are being protected by Lincoln Park Zoo’s domestic-dog vaccination program.

Posted on 21 January 2010 | 1:24 pm

Slideshow: Safeguarding the Serengeti Ecosystem

By vaccinating domestic dogs against diseases such as rabies and canine distemper, Lincoln Park Zoo and its partners benefit the entire Serengeti ecosystem—including people, wildlife and domestic animals. See how with our Safeguarding an Ecosystem slideshow.

Posted on 19 January 2010 | 1:44 pm