Urgent Appeal

Project Isabela took a savage blow when we were told that US$50,000 promised for the second half of 2002, from a donor in the USA, would not be forthcoming.

This funding deficit has been partly absorbed by cost cutting measures, but some elements that must be kept stable or increase in size are at risk.

The main element of operations that must continue to expand is the hunting dogs. 80 trained dogs are required for the start of Isabela in June 2003. We currently have 75 dogs, including 13 pups and one bitch who is pregnant. Dogs must continue to be fed, health programs continue, training in the field continue, and this requires funds for dog food, health care products and personnel.

The National Park picks up a large percentage of the feeding and personnel requirements, however a shortfall of $12,000 (approximately £7,700) still exists for this calendar year. This is broken down into $6,000 for the master dog trainer salary for the rest of the year, $3,500 for the veterinarian salary, $1,500 for the dog keeper salary, and $1,000 for health care products. These funds are urgently required to allow critical operations to continue. Without your support they may not.

Felipe Cruz
Technical Director
Project Isabela

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