I often think that the outreach programmes of zoos from what might loosely be described as the developed world might be BEST directed to improving conditions in zoos such as this. The developing world is urbanising, just as we did.
I work with a charming and educated Nigerian, who hates snakes. He has only ever seen one. In a zoo. I don't know if it was in Africa, but that does highlight an educational role that is sitting there waiting to be undertaken.
There are so many conservation breeding projects that could be tackled as well. If Abidjan could be brought up to the standard of (say) Ramat Gan, with its Forest Elephants once more breeding well, and being sent to similar centres that are accessible in Central and Western Africa, this would contribute enormously to the conservation of the "forgotten elephant".
