The Consul General from the United States consulate in Guayaquil visited the Fundación de Protección Animal, FPA during his two-day trip to Loja in the beginning of April. The Consul General, Kevin Herbert, and his wife April, were both Peace Corps volunteers in the Philippines and are always interested to meet volunteers and learn about what they are doing in Ecuador.
FPA was started by a Peace Corps volunteer, Elizabeth Daut, DVM, during her second year of service in 1998. Elizabeth stayed on as a Peace Corps volunteer for almost five years and now continues working with FPA as an independent volunteer. Jenna Kesgen is a new Peace Corps volunteer helping FPA with their education-outreach program by teaching children and university students about animals and the environment.
This was the Consul General’s first trip to southern Ecuador since taking the post in September 2003. He and his wife were impressed by Loja´s charming architecture, cleanliness and the stunning Podocarpus National Park just 15km from Loja´s central plaza. Mr. and Mrs. Herbert were also stunned to see all that FPA is doing to help animals in Ecuador. Mr. Herbert was particularly alarmed to learn about the extent of wildlife trafficking and complimented FPA for their successes combating the problem.
After receiving a tour of FPA´s facilities, the Herberts congratulated FPA for their hard work and purchased a bag of Huesitos dog biscuits to support FPA´s efforts. Mrs. Herbert explained that they don´t have a pet dog, but their daughter in the U.S. does and she´d love to receive a bag of hand-made Ecuadorian dog treats. “And besides,” she added, “I´d just like to help FPA.”
Mary-Gardner Coopola, the Vice-Consul, and her husband were also present for the tour of FPA. Both were impressed by what FPA has accomplished, particularly FPA´s low-cost spay and neuter clinic. Mary-Gardner later wrote to FPA, “I really enjoyed getting the chance to see what incredible work you and your team have done in the past few years in Loja.”
