President Kagame together with Rwanda Development Board CEO, Clare Akamanzi, held discussions with Ellen DeGeneres and partner, Philanthropist Portia de Rossi, on this Tuesday, 29th May.
Popular from her talk show ‘The Ellen Show’, the Comedian-turned-presenter and her spouse, Portia de Rossi flew from Nairobi to Rwanda, on Saturday, 26th May, 2018.
The American TV Host will fund the construction of a permanent, specially designed facility for scientists, who are helping to save one of the world’s most at-risk species.
After her discussions with the President, Ellen DeGeneres paid a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where she was given a tour on the history of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis.
For the President of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Dr Tara Stoinski, DeGeneres’s gift will permit the expansion of science, research and conservation activities.
“We are delighted to work with Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund, so to expand our work. This will be a spark which draws the brightest minds for the benefit of science, wild gorilla protection, and collaboration with the people who share their home with these animals.” She said
The ‘Ellen DeGeneres Campus’ will be the first initiative of The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund, a foundation and gift from Portia DeRossi, DeGeneres’ partner during the comedian’s 60th birthday, who is a renowned supporter of late Dian Fossey’s work, an American scientist who studied gorillas in Africa.
While not yet finalized, plans for the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund currently call for a multi-acre project in shadow of Fossey’s beloved Volcanoes National Park.
The campus will allow the expansion of science, research and conservation activities; enhance educational programs; and engage Rwandans and the world to join the effort on behalf of wild gorillas. Its design will include laboratories, classrooms, meeting space, an interactive exhibit focusing on Fossey’s work, and housing for visiting researchers and students.
The campus will also support the Rwandan government’s strategic priorities, serving as an important hub for the newly established Center for Excellence in Biodiversity Conservation and Natural Resource Management.
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