Partners In Conservation
 Partners In Conservation (PIC) was initiated in 1991 by staff and docents at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Founding members Barb DeLorme, Judy Hoffman Bolton, Charlene Jendry, and Jeff Ramsey met one evening after work to discuss starting a grass-roots project that would respectfully assist conservation and humanitarian programs in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The project’s name was selected and two main goals identified: to create holistic educational programs for children and adults that addressed wildlife and the needs of local people and to raise money to benefit both conservation and humanitarian projects.
Charlene Jendry talked to Jack Hanna the following day and asked if he wanted the founders to initiate Partners In Conservation as private  citizens or as a part of the Columbus Zoo. Without hesitating, Jack answered that he wanted the new project to be a part of the Columbus Zoo. The Columbus Zoo has funded PIC’s annual operating budget from the beginning. The generosity and commitment of the Columbus Zoo enables all money raised by PIC to equally benefit both people and wildlife. PIC offers individuals of all ages and cultures the opportunity to blend their talents and passions to respectfully assist conservation and humanitarian programs in Central Africa.
PIC is currently partnering with conservation, humanitarian and education partners in Rwanda, t he DRC and the United States. PIC is guided by the philosophy of funding projects conceived by our Rwandan and Congolese partners which address a particular conservation challenge.
PIC’s income is received from the Columbus Zoo, the Rwandan Fete (PIC’s annual fund raiser), sale of artisan merchandise, partner Zoos, donations and grants. All money raised benefits conservation and humanitarian programs in Rwanda and the DRC.
For more information about Partners in Conservation please contact Debbie Elder at (614) 724-3540.
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