14.11.2025
International
In the heart of Madagascar’s dense rainforests lies Parc Ivoloina – a 282-hectare protected area that is not only a zoo and research center, but also a safe haven for endangered species. One of its many inhabitants is Calypso, a Sifaka lemur rescued from the illegal animal trade, who finally found a safe and suitable habitat isolated from all infrastructure in one of the most important nature reserves on the island’s east coast. But even in this idyllic setting, modern welding technology plays a crucial role. Calypso and all the other animals need safe enclosures and this requires suitable equipment; no mean feat because there’s a great deal lacking in the wilderness, not least electricity.
The challenge: Welding without electricity
When an important quarantine enclosure at Parc Ivoloina had to be repaired and reinforced, this task became a major challenge. There was no way of completing the work without welding, but how do you weld in a location that has no power lines and no roads or tracks for vehicular access? Tools, safety equipment, construction materials – everything had to be transported to the remote area on foot or by cart. The park managers quickly realized that they couldn’t complete the work alone and turned to their support network, the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group (MFG). One of its leading members – the St. Louis Zoo in Missouri, USA – responded to their call for help.
The solution: Battery-powered welding machine
Two employees of the St. Louis Zoo, Derek Strunk and Tom Sehnert, made the long journey to Madagascar to personally assist with the work. While looking for a practical solution, they had an idea: battery-powered welding machines from Fronius.
The criteria: The work required a battery-powered welder that was both easy to transport and capable of operating entirely without a mains power supply. The generator needed to be as lightweight and quiet as possible, to avoid disturbing the animals. Mobile welding technology that is capable of working even in the tough conditions of the jungle was a must.
International collaboration enables battery-powered welding in the middle of the zoo
With the arrival of the battery-powered device, the lack of power was resolved. The generator was used to charge the batteries. Derek and Tom taught the park’s two future welders, Fanu and Laurent, the most important basics so that the pair could work independently with the equipment and welding helmets, donated by Fronius, even after their departure. In a message to the team in St. Louis, the director of the Malagasy wildlife sanctuary described the project as “a great example of capacity development at its best.”
“The ability to simply toss the device into a golf cart and drive to the work site without any cables or generators has increased efficiency and reduced noise pollution for both animals and visitors,” says Derek Strunk about the battery-powered welding machines.
(Source: Fronius International GmbH)
Schlagworte
BatteryBattery-PoweredSustainable WeldingWelding
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