Heading to Cameroon: A New Mission
From November 6 to 23, 2025, two biologists from Zoo de Granby are trading Québec’s crisp autumn air for the tropical humidity of Cameroon’s rainforests.
Mélissa, Conservation Project Officer, and Louis, Research Coordinator, have flown out for the Zoo’s eighth mission in this Central African country, one blessed with remarkable biodiversity, yet facing serious threats. For Mélissa, it’s a return to familiar territory, having worked there a few years ago, while Louis is setting foot on Cameroonian soil for the very first time.
This new mission revolves around three major, complementary themes deeply rooted in the Zoo’s mission and values: protect, understand, and collaborate!
In the Heart of the Forest: Campo Ma’an National Park
In Campo, on the edge of the majestic national park of the same name, Louis will focus on monitoring initiatives launched during previous missions. The goal: to assess the tangible outcomes of ongoing conservation efforts for emblematic species such as the forest elephant, western lowland gorilla, and mandrill.
His days will be filled with meetings with local partners, inspections of Zoo-funded facilities (including the research center, the wildlife health laboratory, and the beekeeping project), and evaluations of future needs.
Louis has already shared his first impressions: “The conditions are rough, but after four days on the road, I’m just glad to finally be here… and not have to travel again right away!” Clearly, this is no five-star vacation!
Here, conservation takes on its full meaning, tackling the very real challenges of biodiversity preservation: poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. These are the daily battles faced with courage by local teams, teams we are proud to support. Year after year, Zoo de Granby is honored to take action directly in the field, strengthening the vital alliance between science, communities, and nature.
On the Atlantic Coast: Meeting the Sea Turtles
Several hundred kilometers to the southwest, Mélissa traveled to the coastal village of Ebodje, along the shores of the Manyange na Elombo-Campo Marine Park. This is where Cameron, a master’s student from Concordia University (yes! His name really is Cameron, so he was destined for this journey!), is beginning his research on sea turtle nesting, in collaboration with the community organization Tube Awu.
Upon arrival, the team enjoyed a well-deserved meal of grilled fish, shrimp, plantain, and cassava on the beach, a moment to take in the beauty of the surroundings. But work began quickly: the first nesting events had already started! Tracks in the sand and the moonlit silhouettes of turtles signaled a promising season ahead.
Mélissa will play a key role in launching the project, helping bridge communication between the young researcher and local stakeholders. “The turtles are here, the villagers are motivated, and now the challenge is to understand how to better protect the nests,” she explains enthusiastically.
The Tube Awu team, made up of passionate coastal stewards, has been watching over these beaches for years. Together, they dream of a future where sea turtles can continue to lay their eggs in peace, safe havens for generations of marine reptiles to come.
Taking Action to Protect Wildlife
Between Yaoundé, Campo, and Ebodje, the kilometers pass, the landscapes shift, and every encounter reinforces the importance of these missions. Zoo de Granby doesn’t just observe from afar: thanks to strong partnerships with the Foundation for Environment and Development in Cameroon (FEDEC), WWF Cameroon, Concordia University, and Tube Awu, its work on the ground takes root and creates real impact.
From the dense humidity of the rainforest to the wind-swept Atlantic beaches, Zoo de Granby’s mission in Cameroon embodies the very essence of conservation: collaboration and a shared passion for protecting life everywhere, in all its forms.
