In a significant boost to Zimbabwe’s scientific and educational resources, U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont on Thursday unveiled a major donation to the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
The donation, organized by Yale University’s Peabody Museum of Natural History, includes 16 specialized specimen cabinets designed to protect and preserve the museum’s internationally acclaimed fossil collections.
The handover ceremony, held at the museum was the collaborative effort between institutions across continents. Dr. Moira FitzPatrick, Director of the Natural History Museum, worked closely with Dr. Chris Griffin, a Princeton University Assistant Professor of Geosciences and former postdoctoral researcher at Yale, to facilitate the donation. Dr. Griffin was part of the groundbreaking team that discovered Mbiresaurus, Africa’s oldest known dinosaur, in 2017.
During the event, Assistant Curator of Paleontology Michel Zondo proudly showcased some of the Mbiresaurus fossils, dating back 230 million years, and spoke about ongoing research and educational initiatives.
Ambassador Tremont emphasized the universal value of the fossils: “These specimens predate Zimbabwe. They predate the United States. They are part of all our histories. Preserving them for future generations is a shared responsibility, and we are honored to support the museum’s essential work.”
Acting Museum Director Violah Makuvaza extended her gratitude to the U.S. Embassy and Yale University, noting, “These cabinets represent more than just storage, they are symbols of partnership and a commitment to future paleontological discoveries. The collaboration shows the importance of international support in safeguarding our natural heritage.”
Dr. Griffin echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the museum’s role as a vital hub for scientific exploration and discovery. “The museum is the ‘home base’ for our expeditions. None of this research would be possible without the expertise of Zimbabwean scientists and the steadfast support of the museum,” he said.
The donation event coincided with the U.S. Embassy’s annual Fulbright Exchange lecture, also hosted at the museum. This year, Dr. Jennifer Kyker from the University of Rochester delivered a presentation honoring Zimbabwean photographer Chicago Dzviti.
Both events formed part of the U.S. Embassy’s broader participation in the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, highlighting opportunities in U.S. trade, investment, and education.
The new specimen cabinets are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the museum’s ability to conserve, study, and share Zimbabwe’s rich paleontological heritage with the world.