Here’s how our supporters helped animals in September

September was a life-changing month for lions Cleopatra, Zorya and Mira – three big cats rescued in Ukraine and now safe at last in South Africa.

They made it all the way home thanks to donors like you, whose support also extended to creatures great and small across Africa.

Here’s how our supporters’ kindness helped animals in September.

Ukraine – Kyiv 

You helped bring them home!

Mira, Zorya and Cleopatra now enjoy a peaceful, natural habitat thanks to your generous support. Credit: ASI/Taryn Slabbert

In a triumph for animal war victims, three big-cat survivors are finally home in Africa..

Five-year-old Cleopatra and cubs Zorya and Mira were rescued from the frontlines of Ukraine by our partner, Wild Animal Rescue Center (WARC). After more than a year of careful planning the lions were flown to their new home in South Africa – the LionWatch Project sanctuary in Alldays.

It is a victory that brought our entire team to tears – and many of our supporters, too.

Read the full good-news update here.

Zimbabwe – Harare 

Support for a devastated anti-poaching team in eastern Zimbabwe

Drones are vital in identifying poaching threats, especially in thick brush, and are a critical tool in protecting rhinos from attack. Credit: SANParks

After nearly two decades without a poaching incident, our partner in Zimbabwe suffered a bitter loss: 22-year-old black rhino, Gomo, was brutally killed in a planned poaching attack.

As poachers become more sophisticated, it is critical that anti-poaching units intensify their security. The heartbroken team at Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservation (IRWC) realised it urgently needed a drone to provide enhanced protection for its endangered animals, and we in turn reached out to our supporters.

Thanks to the compassion of our donors, we have been able to raise some of the funds, and we will keep you updated on our ongoing fundraising efforts.

Read the original article.

 

Seychelles – Mahé  

Infant flying fox gets life-saving care after falling from his mother

Now in the care of Protect Paradise, Onyx is thriving. Credit: Protect Paradise Seychelles

Little Onyx was just a few weeks old and totally dependent on his mother when he lost his grip on her and fell to the ground. His odds of survival would have been nearly zero were it not for our partner, Protect Paradise Seychelles (PPS).

Onyx needs several months of dedicated care, monitoring and rehabilitation to grow strong and ultimately be released into a safe, protected area. Thanks to our supporters, we were able to donate towards these costs.

PPS reports that the little survivor is thriving, and currently learning to fly. We will keep you posted on his progress.

Read the original article.

 

East Africa – Tanzania  

Protecting the last remaining ‘super tusker’ elephants of East Africa

Thousands of elephants travel between Kenya and Tanzania through wildlife corridors, crossing vast landscapes in search of water and food. Drones, with thermal imaging, are vital in tracking and protecting the herds which include the highly prized super tuskers. Credit: CTT

Every year, thousands of cross-border elephants migrate between Kenya and Tanzania, including fewer than 30 ‘super tuskers’, who are about to be wiped out for good.

These rare bull elephants have enormous tusks that each weigh over 100 pounds (45 kilograms) and make them prime targets for poachers and trophy hunters.

We are working with Conservation Through Tourism (CTT), which uses drones to help protect these elephants from the many threats they face: hunting and poaching, and also retaliatory killings, when hungry elephants wander too close to communities and consume humans’ food and water.

The team uses drones to guide elephants safely through the wilderness, intercepting at any sign of danger. Three of the corridors are fully protected, but CTT requires additional drones to monitor the remaining two corridors.

Thanks to our supporters, we have begun fundraising towards additional drones. We have not yet reached our target, and will continue to appeal towards this deeply important initiative.

Read the original article.

 

Zimbabwe – Lake Kariba 

Funding vital anti-snaring equipment to help save wild lives

Our support means that baby elephants like this can be quickly and safely de-snared, reducing stress on the entire herd - and protecting rescuers from harm. Credit: KAWFT

Our partner in Zimbabwe, Kariba Animal Welfare Fund Trust (KAWFT), encounters growing numbers of snared animals needing immediate rescue. These rescues are challenging, time-sensitive and, without the right equipment, dangerous for both the people and animals involved. 

KAWFT reached out to us for help in funding vital de-snaring equipment. These critical tools will enable our partner to help animals fast, while staying safe from threats (such as mother elephants charging rescuers as they attempt to help snared calves).

Our donors’ kindness means we’ll be able to cover the full cost of equipment needed – thank you for providing this lifeline to the precious wildlife of Lake Kariba.

Read the original article.

 

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