I am just back in Kenya. While abroad, I established links and gained support for Action for Cheetahs in Kenya (ACK). I am grateful for all of the help provided by my long-term and newly-acquired friends.

At the Zoos and Aquariums Committing to Conservation (ZACC) conference in Houston I met several people who are making great strides in conservation and benefitting communities all over the world. We, as conservationists, are so thankful to zoos and individuals that support us financially, in-kind, and with emotional support. The zoo world has been my backbone since University.

Dale and Wendy of Cat Haven (California) introduced me to many friends of the cheetah and big cats. Cat Haven utilizes cat ambassadors to raise awareness for the plight of wild carnivores, and to raise funds to support field work. Wendy hosted a talk in her home where the directors of Animal Ark and other friends conveyed their support for ACK. Dale, Wendy, and Guy Combes (of Kenya) joined me in presenting to the San Diego Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK). Bob of San Diego AAZK discussed projects with me. My new connection with Cat Haven allows me to channel funds through Project Survival, 501(c)3, for US tax deductible donations. I look forward to additional partnerships in California with Dale, Bob, and their affiliates.

In Salt Lake City I met with the Utah Chapter of AAZK and the Hogle Zoo conservation committee. This was an opportunity for me to update them on ACK, and a chance for them to ask questions about the change in my affiliation with Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). I am assuring everyone that ACK will remain closely connected with CCF for advice and continued training. Despite the current state of the economy, Utah's Hogle Zoo, Zoo Society, and the Utah Chapter of AAZK have pledged to continue support for Kenya cheetahs.

While in Michigan I organized remaining handicraft items left over from talks. I have an inventory of items in the US so if anyone is interested in placing an order, please contact me. Julie from Cleveland Metroparks Zoo met with me in Michigan. Thank you to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Zoo Society for the ongoing support. Julie will be assisting me with launching web sites, blogs, and links. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, like Hogle Zoo, has provided personal and financial assistance to me since the beginning of cheetah conservation work in Kenya.

I spent the end of my trip with Cheetah Friends Europe in the Netherlands and Belgium. Nancy initiated support when she visited the cheetah project. Nancy and fellow board members (Heike, Kiki, and Sabine) and the Zodiak Zoos have supported the cattle dip project since it began in 2006. The cattle dip project is one of the community development projects of ACK. In addition to supporting the cattle dip project, they assist with operations costs and other in-kind donations. They pledge to help ACK get started with a firm foundation. Last, but not least, Jacco Benjamins purchased a new computer to replace my broken, field, laptop.

Thank you to everyone for all of your help and support! Now that I am back in Kenya, my next blog will have something to do with our field work!

Mary Wykstra