More than 45 000 people reacted to Dear SA’s campaign inviting comment on draft legislation allowing meat from endangered species to be added to the list of animals allowed to be slaughtered, consumed and traded. The overwhelming majority of those participating in the campaign objected to the South African government’s plan to expand the list of animals for slaughter and … [Read more...]
Much celebration as cheetah returns to Rietvlei
After a gruelling 14-hour journey, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) successfully relocated a female cheetah from the Western Cape to Rietvlei Nature Reserve in Gauteng. The City of Tshwane approved the relocation of wild Cheetahs to Rietvlei, as well as a donation of 250 blesbok, springbok, red hartebeest, black wildebeest and zebra to Rietvlei Nature Reserve, also made … [Read more...]
South Africa’s live cheetah export exposed
South Africa is well-known for its intensive captive lion breeding industry, but its captive cheetah breeding side has never received the same exposure. As with lions, captive bred cheetah cubs are taken away from their mothers within days of birth to be hand-reared, which starts the habituating process. They are then used for petting, walking with cheetahs, and as photo … [Read more...]
Raising awareness of the importance of forests
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012. The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree … [Read more...]
Lion trade: the secret threat faced by SA tourism industry
Annually, thousands of tourists flock to South Africa to experience our unique wildlife. But behind this booming industry is an ugly truth, many wildlife encounters support the mistreatment of iconic species, such as lions. Tourism plays a vital role in job creation and contributed over R130-billion to the economy in 2017, about 2.9% of the total gross domestic product … [Read more...]
Cheetahs introduced to Majete Wildlife Reserve after decades-long absence
Two years after cheetahs were reintroduced to Malawi, in Liwonde National Park, four individuals were safely translocated from South Africa to Majete Wildlife Reserve to form a crucial founder population and help grow the range of this vulnerable big cat. A small founder population of wild Cheetahs has been successfully translocated from South Africa to Majete Wildlife … [Read more...]
Local rockers pledge to keep our carnivores Wild ‘n Free
In the build up to World Lion Day on 10 August, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), a champion of conservation in Africa, has launched an exciting new project, entitled Wild ‘n Free. Through this initiative, the EWT is calling on all South Africans to be the voice for the voiceless and join the fight against keeping carnivores in captivity for petting, walking-with, … [Read more...]
Are captive-born predators fit for release into the wild?
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is growing increasingly concerned about the proliferation of captive facilities holding a range of carnivores in South Africa for the sole purpose of tourism and financial gain. We urge the public to consider a few facts when visiting any of a number of these facilities that hold lions, Cheetah, Leopards, Wild Dogs, hyena and even some exotic … [Read more...]
Teaming up with the cheetahs
On World Environment Day there is a sudden escalation of environmental actions. Trees are planted, recycling started in homes and businesses. Hopefully this inspiration lasts and is translated into good daily habits. Sadly much is soon afterwards replaced by our big enemy – complacency. In our office every day is devoted to the environment, as everyone’s should be, if … [Read more...]
