Good News and Bad News

This month we have a “good news” and a “bad news” scenario for you! The very good news is RAIN! We have now had about 35 mm by the middle of November – which so far is above the annual average! The bush has started to turn green, the birds are out in force and the impala are browsing again instead of grazing! Things are looking good for the veld.

The terrible news is that one of our Lionspruit rhino cows “FRIEDA” has been killed by poachers! They entered through the adjacent farmland and shot her 4 times, removed her beautiful horn and fled – leaving behind her mutilated carcass!

“Frieda” is the 95th rhino known to have been poached in South Africa this year alone! This is a completely unacceptable situation and we all need to do something. Whilst we cannot fight the poachers ourselves, we can assist and support our Municipal Rangers by providing them with the tools to undertake effective anti-poaching operations in Lionspruit. To this end we have established “PROJECT FRIEDA” in order to collect funds/equipment in order to help our Rangers.

All contributions to the Honorary Rangers ABSA Malalane A/c 4052747002 (SWIFT: ABSA ZAJJ) Please use “Frieda” and your name as a ref. so that we can trace and acknowledge all contributors. Items to be purchased / obtained include bullet proof vests, spotlights & torches, night vision & sound detection equipment, camping equipment (tents, lamps, water bottles, cutlery & crockery, binoculars, sleeping bags/mattresses, water containers, pots & pans, cooler boxes, etc)
Surely many of us have or know of unused but serviceable camping gear, etc that can be put to good use by our Rangers?

Whilst we accept that it is ultimately the responsibility of the Municipality to equip and train their Rangers properly, we all know that it will take time and will to get what is required done - if WE all do not act now more of our rhinos will die!

The Marloth Wildlife Fund, in conjunction with “Project Frieda,” are busy organising a XMAS FESTIVAL here on the weekend of 18th – 20th December. On Friday 18th “ Deetlefs Wine Estate” will host a Wine Tasting evening and they will also auction some of their award-winning wines. There will be a Wine Bar, entertainment, dancers and a whole lot more. Booking is essential so please contact Doriann on 083-3204846 now for your tickets to ensure that you do not miss out!

Some of the other Festival activities planned for the weekend are: A potjiekos competition, a beer tent, amazing races, boerewors rolls/pancakes/cake stalls, kids fun and games events, swimming competitions, craft stalls, conservation displays and much more. There will be something for everyone from Grannies to grand children - so please support us!