Snow Leopard Conservancy Hosted
by Australian Himalayan Foundation
AHF Directors Garry Weare and Christine Gee catch a moment with Darla & Rodney before dinner
Conservancy directors Rodney Jackson and Darla Hillard traveled to Sydney, Australia in October, at the invitation of the Australian Himalayan Foundation. AHF (a separate organization from the American Himalayan Foundation) was incorporated in 2004 by six friends with particular connections to the Himalaya and who wanted to give something back. Learn all about them at www.australianhimalayanfoundation.org.au/.
AHF Director Lincoln Hall liked the fruit bat.
We were honored to be invited by AHF into a long term partnership for snow leopard conservation, starting with a gala dinner held in collaboration with the Taronga Zoo and the Taronga Foundation (www.zoo.nsw.gov.au). It was a magical evening, starting with cocktails by the snow leopard enclosure, while the two nearly-grown cubs entertained the guests, and some of the keepers brought out weird and wonderful Australian animal ambassadors. The dinner festivities were held in the Zoo’s beautiful event room overlooking the harbor and the city.
Documentary filmmaker Greg Grainger served as MC and auctioneer.
We were also pleased to meet at a more intimate dinner some of the Australian Himalayan Foundation members who could not attend the Taronga gala. We all
enjoyed the delicious Nepalese fare prepared by the Mustang Restaurant, while Rodney gave an overview of the Snow Leopard Conservancy, with plenty of time
to mingle and chat.
AHF Director Garry Weare commented, “The AHF is delighted to forge a working relationship with the Conservancy and for the opportunity to appreciate the outstanding work of Dr. Rodney Jackson and Darla Hillard during their short trip ‘down under’.”
On behalf of the whole Snow Leopard Conservancy team, we extend a HUGE thanks to everyone at the AHF and the Taronga Zoo for making our first visit to Australia so much fun and so productive, generating $35,000 (Australian) for wild snow leopards.
Guy Cooper, Taronga Zoo Director & Chief Executive, Antonia Kidman, founding governor of the Taronga Foundation, and friend Alana Hendler welcomed the AHF and the Conservancy to the collaborative event.
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