Rhinos in the wild could be extinct within the next decade if poaching is not brought to a stop. African Safari Consultants recently approached the Wilderness Foundation, offering a donation of 1 US dollar for each ‘Like’ on their Facebook page until the end of December. African Safari Consultants have seen much success with previous 1 Like 1 Dollar campaigns and hopes that the public will show their support for this one.
“If we reach our target of 1000 “Likes”, we will double the donation!” says Cameron Duncan, African Safari Consultants’ social media guru. The team at African Safari Consultants is passionate about the preservation of Africa and its wildlife, and understands the link between a country’s natural heritage and its tourism potential. “The rhino is one of the Big 5 – one of the animals that tourists most want to see roaming in the wild,” says Duncan. “We cannot sit back and allow this majestic animal to become extinct.”
With COP17 highlighting the vulnerability of the environment, and the need to conserve our planet, the Wilderness Foundation has put together a team dedicated to poaching prevention.
“The Wilderness Foundation launched the Forever Wild – Rhino Protection Initiative in May, 2011,” says Wilderness Foundation director, Andrew Muir. “The Campaign aims save the rhino from extinction in the wild. As an organisation, the Wilderness Foundation is involved in rhino protection activities on two main levels – fund raising and advocacy.”
As an international organisation, the Wilderness Foundation is using its leverage to access some of the highest governmental authorities in order to raise awareness of poaching in South Africa. Director, Andrew Muir will be delivering a petition to US congress in January 2012 to bring the situation to the attention of international governments.
“We are also involved in a number of anti-poaching initiatives throughout the country, and are dedicated to supporting conservation agencies and private game reserves in their efforts to protect their rhino populations,” says Muir.
To participate in the 1 Like 1 Dollar campaign, and help raise funds for the Wilderness Foundation’s Forever Wild programme, go to: www.facebook.com/SafariConsultants and click “Like”.
