A Cape Vulture who was released back into the wild in 2021 is still trackable and has been on quite the quest across the country; giving the team who helped him to freedom, a magnificent insight as to life after release!

Eastern Cape, South Africa (18 October 2024) — One of the most exciting experiences for conservationists is getting to see where animals adventure off to after they are released. Thanks to technology, many released animals are trackable, allowing those who cared for them in rehabilitation to keep up with them until their tracking devices no longer transmit signals.

Thanks to tracking technology, the team at VulPro have been able to follow one of the oldest captive-bred birds that they’ve worked with, a vulture named ‘Grey Black 04’, who has been on quite a quest over the years!

‘Grey Black 04’ was born at the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria in 2018. Its release came in 2021 at Rookwood in the Eastern Cape thanks to VulPro (the only vulture conservation organisation of its kind) where a new life of exploring, foraging and taking to the skies ensued.

Since then, Grey Black 04 has travelled all over the country and even into Namibia. For the team, Grey Black 04’s adventures are particularly special as this vulture is their longest-tracked bird.

Currently, GreyBlack 04 has been enjoying the Eastern Cape near Komani where it is said to be looking to join a breeding colony!

“Grey Black 04’s journey highlights the success of collaborative conservation, showing how rehabilitation, captive breeding, and release programmes bring us closer to a future where vultures thrive in the wild,” the VulPro team said.

Beyond the thrill of being able to see how far a vulture’s wings take them, being trackable is also essential for future research as it helps conservationists learn more about the animal’s patterns, behaviours and movements.

Other wildlife champions who deal with different species also track their animals, like the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, which always gives us a dose of good news when they share where their turtles’ travels have taken them.

Sources: VulPro

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South African conservationist Paul Gardiner’s new series ‘Natural Born Runners’ is set to take us on something of a conservation ‘marathon’ across the world! Paul is running all over the world’s last wilderness areas to meet wildlife heroes near and far:

Global (15 October 2024) — Conservationist and eco-tourism expert Paul Gardiner is taking us all on the run of multiple lifetimes thanks to his new series, ‘Natural Born Runners’.

Set to launch during the COP16 summit (AKA, the most important biodiversity event that unites eco-leaders across the world), ‘Natural Born Runners’ is set to take us all on a conservation adventure into and through some of the last wilderness areas in the world focused on the theme ‘Peace with Nature’ in line with COP16.

From icy terrains to open grasslands, Paul’s running shoes will take him across the world in a massive effort to learn about what conservationists are getting up to in their effort to prolong species’ environments and lifetimes.

A deep-rooted passion, Paul was born into a family for whom conservation efforts like rewilding were a labour of love. His father was a visionary who transformed Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape into one of the world’s leading conservation success stories; helping reintroduce lions, rhinos and elephants back into their natural habitat.

As such, Paul begins his trek in the Eastern Cape; retracing these efforts. From there, he ventures to Scotland’s Alladale Wilderness Reserve all the way to North America to learn of the inspiring restoration of the American bison there.

‘Natural Born Runners’ will also see him participate in Run Richmond 16.19—a race founded by Oscar-nominated actor and activist Djimon Hounsou (Amistad, Gladiator).

Along for the ride is Paul’s cameraman and aspiring wildlife filmmaker Christian Antoine, who makes up for what he lacks in endurance running through comedy and edutainment.

The series is set to be launched on YouTube as a way to connect with the next generation of nature’s guardians—young people.

“We need to inspire the youth to take ownership of the planet’s future, and YouTube is where they engage,” says Paul.

“If we’re going to make peace with nature, the next generation needs to be at the forefront.”

Watch: ‘Natural Born Runners’ Trailer

Sources: Email Submission

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Through the art of crocheting, a group of women in Mpumalanga have not only found a means of livelihood but have also created a strong support network and a positive impact on their communities.

Mpumalanga, South Africa (04 October 2024) – The fluffy mane of a lion, the curled trunk of an elephant and the scales of a pangolin come to life with the crochet hooks of the women of Mpumalanga-based social enterprise, Ukuthunga Handmade.

These African animal toys, along with beautiful baskets, bookmarks, and placemats, are a hit with tourists and locals alike looking for authentic handmade gifts. With every stitch, the women of Ukuthunga uplift their families and play a role in supporting local conservation efforts.

Ukuthunga, which means “to sew” in siSwati, was founded in 2016 as an informal group of six women from Msholozi, near White River in Mpumalanga.

From humble beginnings as a small group of women selling handmade rabbit “knitties,” Ukuthunga has blossomed into a thriving social enterprise.

The organisation has empowered countless women, providing them with economic opportunities and a sense of belonging.

Fast forward eight years, and Ukuthunga has blossomed into a self-sustaining organisation that supports the livelihoods of 60 women across the Lowveld communities of Msholozi, Embonisweni, Mpakeni and Masoyi.

“When we started we thought it was something that would keep us busy, we didn’t know that it would come this far,” says Tinah Moyane, who has been with Ukuthunga since its earliest days.

Through crocheting, Moyane supports her daughter, who studies agriculture at the university and her school-age son, who has a disability.

Every year, Ukuthunga now sells between eight and ten thousand African animal toys.

“We run as lean as possible from a business point of view so the business can give as much as possible to the ladies,” says Ukuthunga Director Samantha Brander.

For Nelly Ngalanga, Ukuthunga has been a game-changer:

“I wasn’t working and things were tough at home,” she says, explaining how she struggled to care for her two sons. Now, thanks to Ukuthunga, she can provide for her family. The skills that Ngalanga has gained have also enabled her to start her own business selling skirts and cushion covers.

“Ukuthunga has empowered me so that I can do more, even better,” she adds with a smile.

The enterprise has become a lifeline for the women involved, especially with jobs being scarce. Mpumalanga’s official unemployment rate is sky-high, hovering at 36.2%, while the expanded unemployment rate is even worse at 47 %.

Crocheting is perfectly suited for Ukuthunga because the women can easily work from home, fitting their stitching around other responsibilities. They also gather in churches, homes, and community centres to work together.

“We teach each other. When we want to learn something, she will show me what she knows, and I will show her what I know,” says Moyane.

Not only is Ukuthunga supporting the communities of the Lowveld, but it’s also helping to conserve some of South Africa’s most endangered wildlife.

The organisation has partnered with the Wild Bird Trust to crochet green and red Cape Parrot toys — with super fluffy and adorable parrot chicks to complete the family!

Proceeds help fund the work of conserving the forest habitats of the Cape Parrot, South Africa’s only endemic parrot.

Most recently, Ukuthunga started crocheting perfect pangolins for Scales Conservation Fund, a Hoedspruit-based nonprofit that runs a project that rescues pangolins from the illegal wildlife trade.

By partnering with these organisations, the women and their delightful crafts are contributing to the preservation of South Africa’s natural heritage and endangered wildlife.

Through their creativity, friendship and conservation efforts, the women of Ukuthunga have come together to create something truly inspiring and one that exudes positive change.

To learn more about Ukuthunga, visit www.ukuthunga.com.

Sources: Supplied

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Local champion of wildlife welfare and conservation, ‘Vulture Whisperer’ Kerri Wolter, has been nominated for the ‘Nobel Prize’ of animal conservation!

Global (13 September 2024) — When Kerri Wolter was grinding life out in the corporate world, she had no idea that one day she’d become a champion of vultures, let alone be up for the ‘Nobel Prize’ of animal conservation.

“I was desperate to find my soul that had been lost in an air-conditioned office,” she reflects of her old life.

“I applied for a position as manager of a vulture conservation group when the opportunity arose, not knowing anything about any bird species, and nothing could be further from my mind than vultures at the time.”

Kerri ended up getting the role. In no time, she found herself desperate to save the species that most don’t know enough about and even less tend to care about.

“I found myself looking down at a bundle of feathers and an ET look-a-like bird that resembled the prehistoric age of dinosaurs. My heart melted. I finally understood the magnificence and fragility of the species. My task, at that exact moment, was as clear as daylight…It was my calling. I needed to make people understand their beauty, and their importance in our world of green and destruction; I was to become what I have now been nicknamed—“The Vulture Whisperer”.

That was decades ago. Since then, Kerri has followed her calling proudly and firmly, standing strong as a force behind vulture conservation, oftentimes against the odds.

Today, Kerri is the CEO of VulPro—the only vulture conservation organisation of its kind, founded by the Vulture Whisperer herself.

Together with her team, VulPro has achieved some incredible things in its time, including massive relocation missions that are helping to secure the future of wild vulture populations (the largest ever, at that), imperative rehabilitation work for the species, population monitoring, research and so much more.

It comes as no surprise, then, that Kerri has been announced as one of the nominees for the 2025 Indianapolis Prize, AKA the ‘Nobel Prize’ of animal conservation!

Here, she’s up against 44 conservations from around the world, honoured for her decades-long dedication to saving vultures from the ‘brink of extinction’, as VulPo shares.

“This nomination reflects Kerri’s relentless passion, unwavering determination, and deep love for these often-misunderstood birds. It also powerfully acknowledges the collective efforts our entire team, partners, volunteers and supporters who believe in this vital mission,” praise VulPro.

South Africa couldn’t be more proud of the local Vulture Whisperer, and we have no doubt that Kerri’s story has helped inspire new generations of wildlife heroes—especially those desperate to leave their desks to follow their greater callings.

Sources: VulPro 

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As we welcome spring’s warm weather and the smell of Heritage Day braais just on the horizon, keep in mind that September is important for another reason in South Africa—the beginning of Green Season where green turtles wash ashore! Here’s what to do if you spot a stranding:

Cape Town, South Africa (03 September 2024) — September is a busy month for South Africans. There’s the joy of spring and all things new, Heritage Month where we celebrate our cultural treasures, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month where cupcakes quite literally change individual worlds, whale season being in full swing and of course the two-month mark until Dezemba, when South Africa comes alive more than ever. But for marine conservationists it also marks ‘green season’—a time to keep an eye out for green turtle strandings along our beaches.

From September, our green turtle friends tend to take a break from the ocean and strand along Africa’s coastlines, as the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation (TOAF) informs.

This year, the TOAF and their network of turtle heroes already had their hands full with strandings as hundreds of hatchlings (baby turtles) taking in a whopping 600 hatchlings as of July largely due to intense weather conditions in the Cape.

While the weather has certainly subsided since the wetter months, green turtles have proven to wash up along our coastlines from this month onward for reasons unknown.

The TOA recorded 17 subadult turtles as of 2022, and 11 last year (including some beloved turtles like Nori Bokkie and Luna who are still in rehabilitation but are almost ready for their release!). Not to mention, Bheni the adventurous turtle whose journey many of us followed is also part of the green turtle family.

Turtle heroes will be on standby for ‘green season’ alerts, but it’s up to the public to ensure that they get the calls in time!

If you find yourself at the beach and notice a stranded green turtle in your midst; make sure to take a few seconds to call the Turtle Rescue Hotline on 083 300 1663.

While many may be tempted to just put the turtle back into the sea, this is a no-go. The turtle could be injured or dehydrated and as such, won’t be able to swim away! Instead, make the call and save a little green turtle’s life by connecting them to the teams who know what to do.

Meanwhile in exciting news for turtle lovers, rescued and released turtles Bheni, Nobomvu and Turbo have all come a long way since their first strides back into the ocean and this is what they have been up to! 

Sources: Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation 

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Rescued and released turtles Bheni, Nobomvu and Turbo have all come a long way since their first strides back into the ocean. But thanks to technology, teams have been able to track their adventures, and this is what they have been up to!

Cape Town, South Africa (26 August 2024) — When a turtle is released back into the ocean after being rescued and rehabilitated, the adventures they’ll experience are often largely unknown to us land-dwellers. But, thanks to terrific satellite tech, we get to keep up with them from afar! Because of their unique satellite tags, the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation (TOAF) can explore alongside turtles like Bheni, Nobomvu and Turbo from afar long after they take their first strides back into the sea. This way, they and all those who supported these turtles are able to see where the wide, open ocean takes them. Or rather, where they take to!

Bheni

Bheni, the Green Turtle, was rescued from stranding in Saldanha Bay in December 2022. After a year of rehabilitation, his release day finally came on 8 December 2023 where the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation team would say goodbye to him in the Marine Protected Area of De Hoop.

Since then, Bheni has been on quite the quest, with our last check in on him revealing that he had left the comforts of Southern Africa and set a watery path forward to the tropics beyond Mauritius.

As TOAF shares in a fresh update, Bheni has travelled just under 12,000kms since his release, and currently appears to be travelling along the western edge of the Carlsberg Ridge— northwest towards Somalia!

“This area is a renowned turtle territory, with nesting grounds and suitable habitats in all directions around Bhnei. It will be interesting to see where he chooses to move next!” Reflects the team.

Nobomvu

Nobomvu the Loggerhead Turtle was initially known as ‘The Red Lady’ for her unusually red colouration upon rescue. She had been in the Turtle Conservation Centre team’s care from 2021; released only in December 2023 in an emotional send-off, off the Cape Point.

Nobomvu is a very special lady to the team. As Ayesha Cornelius, a Sea Turtle Aquarist, heartwarmingly shared:

“Nobomvu taught me everything I know about turtle conservation and rehabilitation. Her journey to recovery has been a rollercoaster, but she bravely overcame all the challenges that faced her.”

Today, the Loggerhead proudly cruises through the seas, with a recent update informing that unlike Bheni, she is a fan of local waters, staying within 700 kms of the South African coastline.

Turbo

Turbo is the turtle that has been tracked the longest out of the trio, with 566 days of adventures to boast! However, Turbo’s tag stopped transmitting in July this year—the end of an epic era for the team who kept an eye on him across years, currents and destinations.

As the TOAF team reflects:

“Turbo and his travels have taught the Turtle Conservation Centre so much more about turtles’ ability to withstand cooler temperatures for longer periods. He also highlighted just how special the western coastline of South Africa can be for turtles!”

“The ocean is Turbo’s oyster as he continues to travel – while we may not be able to follow this next part of his journey, we can still work towards keeping Turbo safe by taking action to protect his home. Let’s decide to use less plastic, clean beaches, and create more MPAs. Let’s work together to protect the ocean that Turbo calls home.”

Thanks to tracking technology like this, the impact of turtle conservation efforts become that much more real. Not only do we get to celebrate the wonderful news that these turtles have survived and flourished, but we also get to look into their vast and wonderful lives across the world.

Sources: Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation; GTG

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The Somkhanda Game Reserve community has worked tirelessly to safeguard the future of rhinos and the rich biodiversity of South Africa.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (19 August 2024) – Somkhanda Game Reserve, a community-owned sanctuary for the stunning Big Five, has launched a major rhino dehorning initiative to combat the escalating poaching crisis.

Situated in Zululand, Northern KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhanda Game Reserve was the first Community Game Reserve to welcome a black rhino population as part of WWF’s Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP) in 2007.

This latest dehorning operation marks a significant success, not only for the reserve, but for overall rhino conservation in the KwaZulu-Natal province, which lost an alarming 325 rhinos to poaching in 2023.

Dehorning is a conservation technique used to protect rhinos from poaching. The process involves safely removing a rhino’s horns under sedation. This reduces the horn’s value, deterring poachers. While not ideal, dehorning is a necessary measure to combat the devastating impact of poaching on rhino populations, aiming to safeguard their survival.

A success for rhino conservation in KwaZulu-Natal

The July three-day dehorning operation on Somkhanda Game Reserve, funded by Rhino Recovery Fund and others, is the latest in a series of operations supported by various donors aimed at protecting this rhino population following a substantial increase in poaching numbers in KwaZulu-Natal in 2023.

Meiring Prinsloo, MD of Somkhanda, said

“Due to the increased rhino poaching pressure experienced in KZN during the past few months, we had to drastically intensify our overall counter-poaching measures. This obviously comes at increased, and mostly unplanned, additional costs. Thanks to the Rhino Recovery Fund and Wildlife ACT, additional support was made available to Somkhanda Game Reserve that will definitely aid us in our mission to safeguard our rhino and other wildlife.”

Several key partners were involved in making the operation a success, including Wildlife ACT, PAMCo, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife veterinarian Dr Rowan Leeming, African Wildlife Vets veterinarian Dr Jen Lawrence, Heligistix, Zululand Air Patrol (ZAP Wing), Rhino Recovery Fund, CHEP, Protank, WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, Ford Wildlife Foundation, and Somkhanda Big 5 Tourism.

The successful dehorning operation is a testament to the power of collaboration in protecting the precious gem that is our wildlife.

Sources: Wildlife ACT

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Over the past 10 years, the Northern Cape Land Project has enabled the declaration of five new nature reserves and one new protected environment with several more in the pipeline.

Northern Cape, South Africa (14 August 2024) – Conservationists recently gathered in the heart of Namaqualand to celebrate a decade of remarkable progress in expanding protected areas within the Succulent Karoo biome of the Northern Cape.

The culmination of the Northern Cape Land Project, a joint initiative by the Wilderness Foundation Africa (WFA) and WWF South Africa, supported by the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust (LHSKT), this milestone event marked the successful creation of five new nature reserves and one protected environment.

The celebration took place in Kamieskroon, the gateway to the world-renowned Namaqua National Park, known for its breathtaking floral splendour.

The conservation work is being done primarily through stewardship agreements with landowners who retain ownership of their land but commit to managing it in conservation-compatible ways while continuing to derive economic benefit from it.

Those in attendance unanimously agreed that Mr. Leslie Hill would have been immensely proud of the project’s accomplishments. His passion for succulents and generous philanthropic spirit gave birth to the LHSKT, which has been instrumental in this conservation success.

Katherine Forsythe, WWF project manager with the LHSKT, said a key benefit of the project has been the support WFA has provided to DAERL and SANParks in fine-tuning and streamlining processes and mechanisms for protected area expansion.

“The work WFA has done in the Northern Cape has helped unlock doors and paved the way for biodiversity stewardship nationally. Also significant are the lasting relationships of trust that have been built between all parties in critical biodiversity areas.”

Francois van der Merwe, chair of the LHSKT, noted that the threats to the Succulent Karoo were both real and considerable. He highlighted climate change which could see rainfall in the region decrease by some 40%, along with plant poaching and mining. This made the efforts to secure ecological corridors increasingly urgent.

Ben-Jon Dreyer, project manager with WFA, said:

“Working on this project has been an eye-opener. There are so many landowners in the Succulent Karoo who realise the biodiversity significance of the land that has been entrusted to them and who strive to be the best possible stewards of it. It truly was a privilege to visit these stunningly beautiful and biodiverse landscapes, which will forever be etched in my memory.”

Matthew Norval, WFA’s Chief Operations Officer of Conservation, said that without the funding from Leslie Hill and the leadership of WWF South Africa, the opportunity to conserve these areas would have been lost.

“I think there really has been a change in conservation which encompasses the appreciation of the natural environment, heritage and a realisation that we are doing this for our children and our children’s children,” he said.

While the Wilderness Foundation Africa shifts its focus to new initiatives, including the expansion of the Augrabies National Park, the LHSKT remains committed to building upon these achievements. This includes exploring ways to enhance the lives of local communities and supporting landowners in their ongoing conservation efforts.

Sources: World Wide Fund for Nature

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In great news for the fight against rhino poaching, a state-of-the-art rhino protection initiative has put AI to positive use to keep more rhinos safe!

Eastern Cape, South Africa (12 August 2024) — Since 2007, poaching has surged for several reasons despite international bans dating back to the late 70s. One reason for the surge is that criminal networks have become more and more sophisticated in their pursuit of the illicit, but unfortunately resilient rhino horn trade.

Today, the Southern White Rhino is at near threatened status with just over 10,000 individuals said to be remaining in South Africa.

Despite numerous efforts from rhino-centric activists and organisations who have done a remarkable job in raising awareness for and protecting many of our threatened rhinos, thinking outside of the box and teaming up with technological advances is becoming imperative to stopping poachers in their tracks.

Cue the Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa’s (GH-CFA) Rhino Protection initiative in cooperation with Founders Lodge by Mantis that’s narrowing down the time between warning and response!

How the Rhino Protection Initiative Works

The AI-enabled rhino protection system makes use of special devices that share real-time alerts from Southern White Rhinos to ranger control rooms through optimised algorithms; keeping more of these precious animals safe.

Thanks to these clever devices, when abnormal behaviour is detected, an alert with the exact GPS location of the rhino in potential danger can be tracked. The signal is sent to a control room which allows rangers to quickly locate the rhinos and protect them at a much faster pace. Moreover, the devices are solar-powered so no blackouts can stop the ranger heroes from setting to task.

“By merging cutting-edge technology with tried-and tested wildlife protection methods, w e’re elevating the safety of rhinos within protected areas,” says Taryn Gillson, Global Humane Africa Regional Director.

Not only will the devices help rangers do their job, they also provide hugely valuable management and ecological data to the necessary teams!

The AI-enabled rhino protection system is the product of many minds and massive support including the Wilderness Foundation Africa and the Busch Gardens Conservation Fund and marks one epic way that AI is being used as a secret weapon for good.

You can learn more about the initiative here. 

Sources: Supplied—Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa

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Many successful moments in wildlife conservation are worth more than all the gold medals. Still, it would be incredible to see them get their moment in the victor’s spotlight if something like the ‘Conservation Olympics’ were a thing, which is exactly why the Endangered Wildlife Trust is rolling out its own Podium Moments!

Global (08 August 2024) — Not all heroes get to stand on podiums or hear an audience roar in appreciation for their hard work. While there might not be a ‘Conservation Olympics’, that hardly means many efforts for our wildlife don’t deserve gold, silver and bronze if such a thing existed, which is why the Endangered Wildlife Trust is placing success stories on pedestals as part of its own Podium Moments series!

The Endangered Wildlife (EWT) Trust has begun sharing its Podium Moments, set to continue throughout the Olympic Games. Like high-performance squads of athletes, tons of hard work, many sacrifices and years have been poured in to these success stories. Unlike athletes, the awareness of these achievements for endangered species is quieter—until now.

Podium Moments in Conservation

Kicking things off the series is the introduction of vulture safe zones which began changing the game for these animals in 2021. Then, the first official Vulture Safe Zone was introduced in the Karoo.

Initially, the project focused on generating awareness surrounding the plight of vultures, like the Cape Vulture, in the area as well as a way to understand what changes needed to be made to make the area safer.

“The Karoo Vulture Safe Zone Project is an enormously important initiative for the persistence of this endangered species and has the additional benefit of providing a safe area in which immature birds looking for new roosts and breeding sites can thrive,” the EWT team beams.

Thanks to the establishment of the project, experts can keep a close eye on the colony and understand them as a sample of what other vultures might need to better their livelihood in the future!

Another podium moment shared is the Metapopulation Project, which has played a massive role in boosting cheetah populations across the continent.

The project has seen Southern African Cheetah metapopulations recover from 274 cats (2012) to over 400 in 2023!

Additionally, in exciting news for Malawi’s Liwonde National Park, the introduction of cheetahs there has helped the population increase from extinct to the point where the Park was able to give South Africa three male cheetahs in December!

“This was the first time since the start of the project to reintroduce Cheetah populations to neighbouring range states that one of these protected areas has been able to contribute back to the source population in South Africa,” reflects EWT.

You can keep up with more of these incredible stories and Podium Moments to follow, here.

Sources: Endangered Wildlife Trust 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post A Roar of Applause for Podium Moments in Conservation! appeared first on Good Things Guy.