purpose

This website is primarily intended to motivate interest in volunteering at Ukutula Conservation Center and BioBank.

Secondly, our goal is to provide a balanced, rational, science-based education for anybody seeking to inform themselves regarding the crisis facing our wild animals over the next couple of decades. The discussion highlights the need for human interaction with animals, as well as the unfortunate necessity of captive breeding programs. At the same time, alternatives to extinction are embraced. We build hope at the same time. 

EVIDENCE BASED DECISION MAKING
A phrase frequently used in the academic, scientific and government realms is Evidence based decision making. This theory embodies a systematic and rational approach to researching and analyzing available evidence in order to reach decisions and policy making processes. It allows people to make well informed decisions about policies, programs and projects by putting the best available evidence from research at the heart of decisions and implementation. 
Evidence based decisions produce more effective policy decisions, and as a result, better outcomes for communities and volunteers - as well as in the instance of Ukutula, endangered species.

On the other hand, the opposite has the following effect:

When evidence is not used as a basis for decision making, or the evidence that is used is not an accurate reflection of the 'real' needs of the key population/s, the proposals for change are likely to produce ineffective outcomes and may even lead to negative implications for those they are seeking to benefit (US Based Urban Institute, 2003)

Why is this so important?

Ukutula receives international acclaim

During 2016 Ukutula received international acclaim, sadly not for its scientific research, Biobank, contributions toward education and the preservation of endangered species, but for a malicious and devious attack on the integrity of the Center by certain elements of the media.

Ukutula was featured prominently in the documentary Blood Lions. The purpose of the documentary was to identify and shut down all lion breeders. In order to accomplish this it sought to link all breeders with supplying the canned hunting industry. The devious nature of the inference and inclusion of Ukutula in this production has regrettably created doubts for some as to whether their support of Ukutula may be helping the canned lion industry. The internet and social media have in addition unleashed unashamed lies that now come up in Search Engines accusing Ukutula of such activities as hiring out cubs, commercially motivated human interaction with both infant and adult lions, as well as supplying lions for the canned hunting industry. In not one single instance is any proof provided for these accusations. Besides legal recrimination, these accusations are shameful in a world beset by a 6th global extinction. Instead of lauding and assisting the efforts of individuals and scientists who are working tirelessly to save endangered species, all these armchair critics strive for, is to be as destructive as they can (even if it involves dishonest and devious conduct) without providing any workable scientific alternatives.

It is our sincere hope that the facts provided in this website will help every sincere volunteer, both past and present, to have conviction in the deep and profound value of volunteering at Ukutula Conservation Center (a full discussion can be found in our FAQ section).

Indeed, there are always two sides to every story. This is our side of the story. May this website both educate, as well as enable you to take a positive and evidence based stand as an ambassador in favour of the preservation research of the lion, cheetah and tiger species at Ukutula Conservation Center.