A Journey of Art and Soul for the Earth
by Rama the Elephant and Calley O'Neill
RAMA: AMBASSADOR FOR THE ENDANGERED ONES
Speaking Passionately on Behalf of Those who Cannot Speak
Honoring Charlie 1970-2009
Charlie was born in the wild forests of Africa around 1970. Dave Miller, a mineral contractor, saved the infant Charlie from becoming bushmeat and took him home. When Charlie’s needs began to exceed what the family could provide, he was brought to the Oregon Zoo. The zoo made the Millers and Charlie a promise that has been kept. Starting with Charlie, zookeepers began to implement a pioneering enrichment program to stimulate mental and emotional health and well-being. This has become a model for other zoos. As one of the most famous residents of the Oregon Zoo, Charlie positively affected millions of visitors and animals over the course of his lifetime.
Chimpanzees have experienced a significant population decline over the past 30 years, a trend which is expected to continue due to high levels of exploitation (bushmeat trade), loss of habitat, and habitat fragmentation as a result of expanding human activities.
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