How we helped in June 2023

Did you know that over one million of our planet’s animal and plant species are at risk of extinction? It is a truly horrifying statistic and one that makes our work all the more pressing. At Animal Survival International (ASI), every life, and every species, matters. From rehabilitating critically endangered pangolins to stopping poachers in their tracks and relocating captive wild animals to safety, every time we help, it is thanks to your support.

Here is how your generosity helped in June.

South Africa, Mpumalanga 

Supporting the critical care of orphaned rhino calf, Bavati

Our partner, the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary (CFW) in Mpumalanga, rescued an 18-month-old rhino calf, orphaned when his mother was killed by poachers, and then relentlessly pursued by a clan of hyenas. By the time Bavati was rescued, he was severely injured and in critical condition.

It is miraculous that the calf survived the attack, but - he needed YOU to pull through.

We reached out, and you came through for the calf, helping us to support his urgent veterinary care and his long-term rehabilitation. Once he is strong enough, he will be released into a monitored region to join an existing herd.

Read the original article.

Credit: Care for Wild

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal 

Wildlife vehicle wrecked while transporting serval kittens to safety.

FreeMe Wildlife (FMW) rescues injured, displaced and at-risk wildlife in KwaZulu-Natal – like the days-old serval kittens they saved from a sugarcane fire. But during this particular rescue, the FMW team was involved in a terrible motor accident that resulted in their vehicle being written off. Both the human and the animal inhabitants survived the crash, with the kittens completely unharmed, but the vehicle was destroyed.

FMW’s insurance covered the majority of the cost of a replacement vehicle but fell short by just under $7,000 (around £5,500). We reached out to you to help us raise the difference, and you donated generously, helping ensure that this vital wildlife rescue team can get back on the road, and back to wildlife requiring urgent care and rescue.

Read the original article.

Credit: FreeMe Wildlife

South Africa, Tzaneen 

Providing life-saving care to an electrocuted pangolin.

Electra is a young Temminck’s ground pangolin who was severely burnt after coming into contact with an electric fence in Hoedspruit. She was so badly injured that her bone was visible through layers of charred scales and flesh.

She was rescued in the nick of time by our partner, the Umoya Khulula Wildlife Centre, which specializes in the treatment of sick and injured wildlife. They told us that this was the most horrific case of pangolin electrocution they had ever seen, and they needed to provide expert – and costly – 24-hour care to the animal.

Through your support, we were able to help fund Electra’s intensive treatment. She is showing remarkable progress, and while she still has a long road ahead of her, Umoya Khulula is confident she will make a full recovery – thanks to you.

Read the original article.

Credit: Umoya Khulula

South Africa, Western Cape

Relocating a captive leopard to a beautiful, spacious sanctuary.

WATCH: Last month, we shared a plea to relocate a captive, hand-reared leopard named Gabriel to a suitable sanctuary in the Western Cape. Not only did you help us raise enough money for his relocation, but you gave Gabriel a life he could never have imagined while locked up in an unsuitable facility on the brink of closure. Watch now.

Credit: Panthera Africa

Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls

Making a real impact this World Giraffe Day.

June 21 marked World Giraffe Day, but there was little to celebrate: the species is extinct in seven African countries, and numbers continue to plummet, in large part due to poaching. The animals are killed for their meat – sold at illegal markets – and for their body parts, used to make jewelry and trinkets like keyrings and giraffe tail flywhisks.

Our team near Victoria Falls, the Matetsi Anti-Poaching Unit (MAPU), patrols a vast conservation region near Victoria Falls, home to herds of giraffes and other wild animals. The most effective way to identify poachers is via high-tech drones, which can detect criminal activity anywhere in the park, day or night.

With your support, we raised enough money to equip the team with this vital piece of equipment – another tool in their arsenal as they combat poaching and protect the region’s vulnerable giraffe herds.

Read the original article.

Follow us on social for these stories and more…

Recently, we were able to equip our partner, the Bumi Hills Anti Poaching Unit (BHAPU) in Zimbabwe, with much-needed hoods and hobbles, used for safely restraining predators and other wildlife during sedation and treatment. Read more.

Credit: BHAPU

LUCKY LUCY! Your donations have secured a long-term supply of specialized milk formula for orphaned hippo calf Lucy, in South Africa! Read more.

Watch: Over one million of our planet’s plant and animal species are at risk of extinction. Here’s what we’re doing to help.

From the News Desk

At ASI, we strive to stay abreast of the latest wildlife conservation news so we can keep you informed on the most critical issues surrounding animals today.

Thousands of dead fish have washed up on a Thai beach. Experts say climate change may be to blame. Read more..

World’s rarest marine mammal, the vaquita, clings on at the edge of extinction. Read more.

Ecological tipping points could occur much sooner than expected, study finds. Read more.

Iceland suspends annual whale hunt in move that likely spells end to controversial practice. Read more.

UK diverges from EU rules with cosmetics animal testing ban. Read more.

Report raises alarm over state of provincial nature reserves in South Africa. Read more.

More than 40,000 hectares of nationally vital koala habitat marked for potential logging in New South Wales. Read more.

Here’s proof fishing bans leave plenty to eat, says study of Mexico marine park. Read more.

Treatment of kiwi bird at Miami zoo enrages New Zealand. Read more.

First cheetah cubs born in India in more than seven decades die in heatwave. Read more.

We are sincerely grateful for your generous donations and support in helping us tackle critical issues impacting wildlife around the world. Your support enables us to make a real difference for our planet’s precious wild animals.

Saving animals and the planet,

Campaign Director
Animal Survival International

Banner Credit: Panthera Africa; News desk credits: Image 1: Kantaphong Thakoonjiranon/Reuters; Image 2: Luces del Siglo, Image 4: Pexels Art House Studio, Image 9: The Edge & Image 10: Twitter/@BYADAVBJP