I HAVE A HUGE PASSION FOR CONSERVATION. Many of us can’t be in the frontline, but we can create awareness & support conservation organisations financially and otherwise. Our children are tomorrow’s leaders and we can make a difference by inspiring them.
Below are links and information to such organisations on the African continent. People in conservation are true heroes.
I am honoured to have permission and consent to make reference to every organisation displayed below.
Below are links and information to such organisations on the African continent. People in conservation are true heroes.
I am honoured to have permission and consent to make reference to every organisation displayed below.
Thula Thula - home to a ‘rogue’ elephant herd... Follow this incredible journey with Lawrence and Francoise on an South African game reserve Thula Thula. They adopted a wild and traumatised herd of 7 elephants which is now a thriving herd with many new babies. Lawrence went on to publish the bestselling book “The Elephant Whisperer” telling about the special bond he had with these elephants. He made a huge impact as an international conservationist, environmentalist, explorer at large and bestselling author. Thula Thula also care for orphaned rhinos and these precious animals are protected 24/7 by the Wildlife Protections and Rhino Team as protection and survival of their wild animals is absolute priority. This is a team of professional animal caretakers, well trained, experienced and passionate with the guidance of local wildlife veterinarians. The Thula Thula Rhino Fund is part of the SOUTH AFRICAN CONSERVATION FUND founded by Françoise Malby-Anthony, the Managing Director. Thula Thula has shown its involvement and commitment in wildlife protection and conservation, together with the local communities since its opening in 1998, including cooperation on skill development and training of young people in conservation and hospitality from the surrounding communities. Coronation Fund Managers created a television commercial, based on the remarkable true South African story of conservationist Lawrence Anthony as captured in his bestseller The Elephant Whisperer. It was launched during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics and is a must see. Visit their website and conservation page http://thulathula.com/conservation-fund-2/ as it is impossible to summarise all the extraordinary work they do. Immensely inspiring!
Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital is non-profit organisation is a wildlife only veterinary hospital and permitted wildlife rehabilitation center. It is a unique facility which specializes in small to medium sized indigenous wildlife, the only one of its kind, in Johannesburg South Africa. Their aim is to improve the quality of treatment, survival rate and success rate of rehabilitation of indigenous South-African wildlife like bats, owls, raptors, mongoose, meerkat, serval, genet, hedgehogs, bush babies, garden birds, water birds and otter-to name but a few. They also specialise in the treatment, rehab and release of pangolin-the most trafficked mammal on earth. This is a passionate team consisting of a full time veterinarian, two wildlife rehabilitation specialists and experienced assistants. They treat and rehabilitate for free as their patients do not have owners since they are confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade, been injured/displaced or orphaned for various reasons. They therefore rely solely on support of sponsors to fund this labour of love as it is costly to treat wild animals together with all the other running costs. View their web page for more info and on how to donate, sponsor a meal and view their wish list. Truly inspiring!
African Parks is a non-profit conservation organisation that takes on the complete responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks in partnership with governments and local communities. African Parks manages 10 national parks and protected areas in seven countries covering six million hectares: Malawi, Zambia, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Chad. African Parks is focused on saving wildlife and fighting the anti-poaching war. Visit www.african-parks.org to learn more
The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) is living proof that people can make a difference to the long-term survival of the planet and its animal inhabitants. HESC focuses on the conservation of rare, vulnerable and endangered animal species. Cheetah Conservation is one of its core disciplines. The centre is actively involved in research; breeding of endangered animal species; the education of learners, students and the general public in conservation and conservation-related activities; tourism; their release and establishment of captive-bred cheetahs in the wild; the treatment and rehabilitation of wild animals in need (including poached rhinos); and anti-poaching initiatives on the reserve. For a more complete view of HESC’s work, take a look at the various projects and programmes it spearheads and manages. http://hesc.co.za/projects-programmes/
SANParks Honorary Rangers - Volunteers in support of SANParks
This is a very busy group of passionate and unpaid volunteers many of whom have full time jobs, giving their time and skills freely. SANParks recognises these volunteers as its trusted channel of public support and fund raising. All funds raised are spent on projects and initiatives identified by SANParks in terms of a ”wish list” system. There are about 1900 Honorary Rangers divided into 31 regions who work working tirelessly in all 19 of South Africa’s national parks, such as Kruger, Addo, Table Mountain, Agulhas and Kgalagadi. They provide a wealth of specialist advice, donations through fund raising, anti-poaching initiatives, equipment in support of rangers and K9 units, and educating the public in environmental issues and the importance of conservation. And listen to this! They also have a SANParks Junior Honorary Rangers programme which includes youth activities. Kudos to all these hardworking volunteers. Read more here http://www.sanparksvolunteers.org/index.php
This is a very busy group of passionate and unpaid volunteers many of whom have full time jobs, giving their time and skills freely. SANParks recognises these volunteers as its trusted channel of public support and fund raising. All funds raised are spent on projects and initiatives identified by SANParks in terms of a ”wish list” system. There are about 1900 Honorary Rangers divided into 31 regions who work working tirelessly in all 19 of South Africa’s national parks, such as Kruger, Addo, Table Mountain, Agulhas and Kgalagadi. They provide a wealth of specialist advice, donations through fund raising, anti-poaching initiatives, equipment in support of rangers and K9 units, and educating the public in environmental issues and the importance of conservation. And listen to this! They also have a SANParks Junior Honorary Rangers programme which includes youth activities. Kudos to all these hardworking volunteers. Read more here http://www.sanparksvolunteers.org/index.php
K9 Conservation provides support to conservation areas and game parks through the deployment of elite, highly trained and specialized, working dog units. Their primary function is to aid and assist game reserve and wilderness area owners/bodies counteract illegal hunting and wildlife trade by poachers and poaching syndicates. Field rangers and dogs are carefully selected and paired to maximize efficiency and effectiveness, while non-stop on-the-job training ensures our units are continually rated top class. Wherever the K9 unit is deployed poachers are swiftly dealt with, with all resulting engagements adhering strictly to the rule of law. It is proven that once trained working dogs are deployed into an area the news quickly spreads among poachers and criminal syndicates alike and the level and frequency of poaching incidents (and often other crime) usually drops dramatically, this ensures and is an effective deterrent to criminals. These men, women and dogs are heroes! They welcome financial donations and also sponsorships. The work they do is priceless. http://www.k9conservation.co.za/
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) has worked on the front line for over 40 years to protect Kenya's wildlife and habitats. At the heart of the DSWT’s conservation activities is their pioneering Orphans’ Project which exists to offer hope for Kenya’s elephant and rhino populations as they struggle against the threat of poaching, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and drought. They have successfully rescued and hand-raised more than 200 orphaned infant elephants in such a way that they return to the wild when grown, with a number of these orphans going on to have wild born babies of their own. As part of a wider commitment to Kenya’s wildlife and conservation, the DSWT operates Anti-Poaching, Mobile Veterinary and Aerial Surveillance initiatives, as well as Community Outreach projects to build sustainable relationships with local communities bordering Kenya’s National Parks and protected areas. This multifaceted approach means that they are not only saving wild lives today, but also securing habitats for the future. Find out more at www.dswt.org
The all female crew of the Elephant Ignite Expedition arrived safely in Nairobi on the 16th of November 2016 to mark the end of their 16 000km, 100 day journey. Aimed at raising awareness for the poaching crisis faced by Africa's declining elephant populations, the expedition departed from KZN on Women's Day, 9th of August. Their journey was focussed on community upliftment, youth education, public awareness for wildlife crime and poaching and a fundraising drive to support the organisations that are fighting the battles on the frontline. The expedition travelled through 10 African countries (South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi and Kenya). They distributed 20 000 educational booklets to schools and communities and visited 37 organisations that are involved in conserving African wildlife to report on the work they do. The crew all self-funded their participation costs and all proceeds from the fundraising campaigns where directed to the nominated beneficiaries. The organisations visited are mostly NPO's and rely on public or corporate funding. View their journey on http://www.elephantignite.co.za.
EIE will continue to raise funds for the following beneficiaries: Elephant and Bees Project http://elephantsandbees.com, The Ecoexist Project http://www.ecoexistproject.org, Game Rangers International http://gamerangersinternational.org/, Kasungu Elephantshttp://www.kasunguelephants.org/, Elephants Alive http://elephantsalive.org/.
EIE will continue to raise funds for the following beneficiaries: Elephant and Bees Project http://elephantsandbees.com, The Ecoexist Project http://www.ecoexistproject.org, Game Rangers International http://gamerangersinternational.org/, Kasungu Elephantshttp://www.kasunguelephants.org/, Elephants Alive http://elephantsalive.org/.
One could feel despondent when confronted with the relentless threats facing our natural world: poaching, climate change, habitat destruction, pollution... the list seems endless. BUT THERE IS HOPE. The Endangered Wildlife Trust, Africa’s conservation leader, has worked tirelessly for over 45 years to save wildlife and habitats, with their vision being a world in which both humans and wildlife prosper in harmony with nature. From the smallest frog to the majestic rhino; from sweeping grasslands to arid drylands; from our shorelines to winding rivers: EWT is working with us to protect our world.
The EWT’s team of field-based specialists is spread across southern and East Africa, where committed conservation action is needed the most. Working with their partners, including businesses and governments, the EWT is at the forefront of conducting applied research, supporting community conservation and livelihoods, training and building capacity, addressing human wildlife conflict, monitoring threatened species and establishing safe spaces for wildlife range expansion.
A beacon of hope for Africa’s wildlife, landscapes and communities, the EWT is protecting forever, together.
The EWT’s team of field-based specialists is spread across southern and East Africa, where committed conservation action is needed the most. Working with their partners, including businesses and governments, the EWT is at the forefront of conducting applied research, supporting community conservation and livelihoods, training and building capacity, addressing human wildlife conflict, monitoring threatened species and establishing safe spaces for wildlife range expansion.
A beacon of hope for Africa’s wildlife, landscapes and communities, the EWT is protecting forever, together.
ADI’s (founded 1990) mission statement is to educate, create awareness, and promote the interest of humanity in the cause of justice, and the suppression of all forms of cruelty to animals; wherever possible, to alleviate suffering, and to conserve and protect animals and their environment. They create public awareness of animal suffering and combine this with scientific and economic research and provide technical briefings to legislators and governments. ADI has a worldwide reputation for providing video and photographic evidence exposing the behind-the-scenes suffering in industry and supporting this evidence with scientific research. ADI rescues animals all over the world and educates the public on animals and environmental issues. I am vehemently opposed to caging wild animals and wild animals used in the entertainment industry, especially circuses. This international non-profit organization is in the frontline on this issue and has my full support! Check them out on www.ad-international.org.
The Blue Sky Society Trust is a Non-Profit Organization that raises funds for various Humanitarian and Conservation Projects. It was founded by Carla Geyser in 2012, and is growing in strength each year. The Blue Sky Society partners with various organizations, individuals and schools in an aim to raise funds for chosen projects in Africa. They welcome all donations to their active projects: be they goods, manpower or financial contributions. They are making a huge difference, one step at a time. Check out their awesome work: http://www.blueskysociety.org/
The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) South Africa Chimpanzee Sanctuary is home to chimps that have been misplaced from their natural habitats in Africa. They only rescue chimps from African states that do not have sanctuaries. Chimpanzees in the wild may be extinct within the next 10 - 20 years if current trends cannot be reversed, shocking! The goal of the chimpanzee sanctuary is to rescue chimpanzees that have survived the bush meat trade, been orphaned, traded in the illegal pet market, or rescued from being traumatised for entertainment in circuses, beach resorts and even nightclubs. The chimpanzees are living out their lives in a risk free environment and being provided with the necessary attention to recover from the trauma they have experienced. Guided tours take place daily, and I have been on one of these tours. It truly is a unique experience! Read more on this outstanding organisation on https://www.chimpeden.com/
Rhino Connect is a registered Non Profit Company that is pro-actively involved with projects that have real time conservation programs, who is in possession of white and black rhino populations on their conservancies and farms, protection zones and orphanages. These people work honestly and tirelessly against the war on our wildlife. One of their main and most successful focus areas is involving us the public in rhino conservation efforts. Visit www.rhinoconnect.co.za for more information.
THE RHINO CONNECT APP – Rhino Shares, invest with a purpose!
The Rhino Connect APP is the first of its kind in the world and an information hub about rhino matters whereby you can contribute towards a rhino, including a ton of information on conservation, investing, education, anti-poaching, events, blogs and even gaming. The APP is available on all android devices and smartphones. How cool is that! Click to download the APP IOS Android
THE RHINO CONNECT APP – Rhino Shares, invest with a purpose!
The Rhino Connect APP is the first of its kind in the world and an information hub about rhino matters whereby you can contribute towards a rhino, including a ton of information on conservation, investing, education, anti-poaching, events, blogs and even gaming. The APP is available on all android devices and smartphones. How cool is that! Click to download the APP IOS Android