Short Summary

Could love and caring for animals be a first step to overcome the hatred and conflicts between people?

My name is Marco de Stefanis, I was born in Rome and I’m a filmmaker for more than 15 years. Several of my films have been screened at film festivals in Israel and Palestine where I became friends with Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers. The first time I heard about Qalqilya Zoo was when I read an article about it. The zoo travelled with wild animals to small mountain villages in Palestine because these children didn’t have the ability to visit Qalqilya Zoo. Intrigued as I was I decided to visit Qalqilya Zoo and after I met Dr. Sami, the Zoo’s vet, I felt I had to share this story with the world to help the zoo develop. I wanted to tell a positive story from Palestine and with this I hope to inspire people.

Qalqilya – a small town on the Westbank – borders with Israel and is surrounded for two-thirds by the so-called ‘Wall of Shame’. Its zoo is the only one in Palestine and is very popular in spite of its poor conditions. Many animals were lost in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, most dramatically the very popular giraffe couple.

Dr. Sami is determined to bring in new giraffes. To be able to, the zoo needs EAZA-certification, a membership which represents and links 340 zoos collaborating to improve education, research and conservation of animals. Its most important requirements are more space and more budget. But how to increase the space for animals in a town where even human beings are forced to live in a confined space?

The restrictions imposed by Israeli laws and the internal political battle between Fatah and Hamas would make it almost impossible to develop the zoo any further. But still, the zoo is slowly improving thanks to the dream of one enthusiastic man, Dr. Sami.

What We Need & What You Get

I have visited Qalqilya Zoo before to do research and shoot some clips. These clips are not enough to show to future investors. The goal of this crowdfunding campaign is therefore to raise $5.000 by May 2nd, to travel back to Qalqilya and shoot a trailer. This trailer will be used to apply for film funding.

 The Impact

There is no other entertainment like shops, cinema's or even parks to be found in Qalqilya, making the zoo the only place for distraction. The zoo is thus very popular with locals, especially schoolchildren whose busses queue up everyday. They all keep asking 'When will the giraffes return'? Current conditions are too poor to receive new, healthy animals. The zoo needs larger and better-equipped spaces for the animals, a professional veterinarian clinic, schooled and motivated personnel and it has to cooperate with surrounding zoos for the exchange of animals and used equipment.

This is the story of one man and his mission to bring new giraffes to his zoo and humanity to Qalqilya and Palestine. Will Dr. Sami manage to bring in new giraffes? The answer to this question does not only show what one individual can achieve with his passion and persistence, but also mirrors the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian relations and its harsh daily reality.

With your contributions we will be one step closer to realizing a trailer for my documentary film about the developments and pursuits of Dr. Sami, the zoo and the process of becoming a member of EAZA.

Other Ways You Can Help

If you can’t contribute right now, it doesn’t mean you can’t help. Use the social media tools above and spread the word to your friends and family!