Mama, 59 years old and the oldest chimpanzee and the matriarch of the famous chimpanzee colony of the Royal Burgers Zoo in Arnhem, the Netherlands, was gravely ill. Jan Van Hooff (emeritus professor behavioral biology at Utrecht University and co-founder of the Burgers colony) who has known Mama since 1972, visited her in the week before she died of old age in April 2016. It took a while before she became aware of Jan's presence. Her reaction was extremely emotional and heart-breaking. Mama played an important social role in the colony. This has been described in "Chimpanzee Politics" by Frans de Waal, who studied the colony since 1974.
We at Green Rameswaram project too trying to sensitize the public, towards the love for flora and fauna and the fellow human beings. This will help in creating a better eco system for all beings which is the need of the hour.
This month’s newsletter has the following highlights:
Dr. Sanjay Banerji in his blog writes about “A Safe and Just Space for Humanity”
Hand in Hand India organized regular awareness campaigns.
Report on “Heritage Tourism and Rameswaram Island”
Revival and Renovation of Water bodies – Jata Teertham
Social Capital – “Hello Rameswaram Helpline”, Cleaning of Traditional Water Bodies and Teertha Pooja’s, Visit of Smt.Santha Sheela Nair retired IAS, NSS
