Celebrating Biodiversity in the Urban Jungle

International Day for Biological Diversity 2023

The International Day for Biological Diversity (Biodiversity) is celebrated on 22 May each year to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The theme for 2023 is “From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity”. We are happy to share how we are building back biodiversity in a peri-urban area through active rewilding of land, wildlife species and people’s hearts through our legacy project at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve.

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth. It encompasses the diversity of living organisms, their genetic variability and the communities and ecosystems they form. Biodiversity is a measure of the richness and abundance of life at different levels of organization, from genes to ecosystems, and it includes the interactions between different organisms and their physical environment.

Biodiversity and the Web of Life

As UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) states, nature is humanity’s lifeline. The web of life is a metaphorical representation of how all living things are interconnected, with each species playing a vital role in maintaining the balance and functionality of ecosystems. Healthy biodiversity is the foundation of the web of life upon which all species, including humans, depend. Each time we lose a species, we also lose its connections and relationships to other species and ecosystems, effectively creating a gaping hole in the web of life and weakening it.

Space for Species

We believe that preserving biodiversity and empowering communities in urban and peri-urban areas forms an important part of the future of conservation, especially as space continues to become more challenging for wildlife and for people. We see peri-urban reserves as an opportunity to connect even more people with nature, creating conservation ambassadors within communities.

Despite the common perception that cities are mostly devoid of nature, urban areas can support a surprising amount of biodiversity, from insects and birds to small mammals and reptiles and amphibians. Spaces like parks, green spaces and even rooftops can support biodiversity, and in the case of our legacy project at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve, urban nature reserves.

Situated within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan, Nyosi Wildlife Reserve is sandwiched between the two cities of Kariega (Uitenhage) and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), representing a very special pocket of biodiversity with four unique vegetation types.

Why is urban biodiversity important?

It provides opportunities for urban residents to connect with nature and experience its benefits, such as stress reduction, improved mental health, and enhanced well-being.
It contributes to the functioning of urban ecosystems and provides a range of ecosystem services, such as pollination, pest control, and carbon storage.
It can help support the survival of some species that have been negatively affected by habitat loss and fragmentation in other areas. An example is the cheetah, Africa’s most threatened big cat. Our Cheetah Rewilding Project supports the cheetah metapopulation aimed at preserving this iconic species.

Can urban nature reserves really make a difference?

Yes! Urban nature reserves serve as wildlife corridors and green connections which are important for maintaining and enhancing biodiversity. These are strips of habitat that connect different green spaces within or outside the city, allowing wildlife to move and disperse between them. Wildlife corridors and green connections help to counteract the fragmentation and isolation of urban habitats, allowing species to access food, mates, and other resources.
The creation of wildlife corridors and green connections is particularly important for species that have large home ranges or are highly mobile, such as birds, bats, and some mammals.

Connecting People and Nature

Nature reserves in urban areas can also provide opportunities for research, education, and community engagement. They can be used as living laboratories for studying urban ecology and can provide opportunities for citizen science and community engagement in biodiversity conservation efforts. By involving urban residents in nature reserve management and conservation efforts, nature reserves can also help to promote awareness and appreciation of biodiversity and its importance for human wellbeing.

Additional information:

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Energize a cheetah for the sprint

Celebrating Biodiversity in the Urban Jungle

May 16, 2023

International Day for Biological Diversity 2023The International Day for Biological Diversity (Biodiversity) is celebrated on 22 May each year to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The theme for 2023 is “From Agreement to Action: Build Back...

CCFA celebrates World Rewilding Day 2023

rewild

/ˌriːˈwʌɪld/

[restore (an area of land) to its natural uncultivated state (used especially with reference to the reintroduction of species of wild animal that have been driven out or exterminated).]

In recent years, conservationists have been turning to the practice of rewilding as a way to save endangered species from extinction. Rewilding involves restoring natural ecosystems by reintroducing species that have been driven out or gone extinct from an area. At CCFA, we believe this method to be a proactive and integrated approach to conservation.

The idea behind rewilding is that by restoring natural ecosystems and the species that inhabit them, we can improve biodiversity, ecosystem function, and overall ecological health. For example, reintroducing predators such as wolves or lynx to an area can help control populations of herbivores, which in turn can reduce the overgrazing of plants and improve the diversity of plant species.

A notable success story

One of the most notable rewilding success stories is the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park in the United States. Wolves were eradicated from the park in the early 20th century, but in 1995 and 1996, 31 wolves were reintroduced. Since then, the wolf population has grown to over one hundred, and the ecosystem has undergone significant changes. The presence of wolves led to a reduction in the elk population, which allowed for the recovery of vegetation such as aspen and willow trees. This has in turn led to an increase in songbird populations and other wildlife that depend on these plants for habitat.

Rewilding challenges

While rewilding has shown promise as a conservation tool, it is not without its challenges. One of the biggest obstacles is overcoming the political and social barriers to reintroducing species that have been extirpated from an area. There can be resistance from local communities who may be concerned about the impacts of reintroducing predators or other species, or who may have economic interests that conflict with rewilding efforts.

Another challenge is ensuring that reintroduced species can thrive in their new environment. This may involve providing habitat restoration or management or addressing other threats such as habitat loss, pollution, or climate change. Additionally, rewilding efforts may need to be coordinated across multiple jurisdictions, which can be difficult to navigate.

An effective tool for conservation

Despite these challenges, rewilding has the potential to be an effective tool for conservation. By reintroducing species that have been lost or driven out, we can improve biodiversity, ecosystem function, and overall ecological health. With careful planning and management, rewilding can help to save endangered species from extinction and restore balance to our ecosystems. A species with a high rewilding success rate is the cheetah.

Cheetah rewilding

Cheetahs are one of the most endangered big cats in the world, with an estimated 7,100 individuals remaining. This number is a remarkable decrease from an estimated 100,000 cheetahs in 1900. In southern Africa, rewilding has become a valuable tool for conserving cheetah populations. This involves reintroducing cheetahs to areas where they were once found but have since disappeared.

The cheetah metapopulation

Rewilding has been successful in South Africa, where cheetahs have been reintroduced to private game reserves. In some cases, these reintroduced cheetahs have formed stable populations and have even started to expand into neighbouring areas. This success is, in large part, due to the efforts of organisations like The Metapopulation Initiative which helps manage the cheetah populations, encourage reintroductions, and facilitate relocations to preserve the genetic integrity and overcome the many challenges that cheetahs face as a species.

The CCFA Cheetah Rewilding Project

CCFA is collaborating with such partners to rewild cheetahs through our Cheetah Rewilding Project at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Captive cheetahs, identified as suitable for the programme, arrive at the reserve to spend 6 – 8 weeks in a large enclosure where they are fed a natural diet of wild meat and prepared for release onto the 2,500-ha reserve where they can begin honing their hunting skills. Once they are consistently feeding themselves and deemed self-sufficient, they can be rehomed to their permanent home in a predetermined protected area where they can integrate into an existing cheetah population. We anticipate the entire process to take between 6 to 12 months per intake, following which, we can begin rewilding the next intake of cheetahs.

Rewilding and people

Overall, cheetah rewilding has shown great promise as a conservation tool. By reintroducing cheetahs to areas where they have disappeared, we can help to restore populations and improve genetic diversity. However, rewilding efforts must be carefully managed and monitored to ensure the long-term success of the project. Additionally, community involvement and education are crucial to the success of rewilding efforts, as they can help to reduce conflicts between humans and cheetahs and increase support for conservation efforts.

The CCFA Cheetah Champion Programme

CCFA has initiated a Cheetah Champion Programme, through which we empower a community member for every cheetah we rewild. These community members are our Cheetah Champions, who will walk a ‘hand-in-paw’ journey with their cheetah companion and serve as wildlife conservation ambassadors within their communities.

Additional information:

How to support our Cheetah Rewilding Project

Donate

Energize a cheetah for the sprint

Support our Cheetah Champion, Anele

Celebrating Biodiversity in the Urban Jungle

May 16, 2023

CCFA celebrating Children’s Day 2020

Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association conservation comic book

The visions we offer our children shape the future.

[Carl Sagan]

The Declaration of the Rights of the Child, by the UN General Assembly, was announced on November 20, 1959 which is why Children’s Day in celebrated annually on this day. It is to honour the children of the world – our hope for the future and leaders of tomorrow.

This Children’s Day we’d like to salute all children but particularly the conservation warriors who are helping us build a better future, by taking care of nature and wildlife today. Most specifically the children of Rwanda who are an important part of a project that we support, alongside Tusk Trust and the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA), that is having a positive impact on protecting the endangered Grey Crowned Cranes.

The Grey Crowned Crane is every bit as majestic as its name suggests. These long-legged birds with their grey bodies, white wings with brown and gold feathers, white cheeks and bright red sacs beneath their chins are one of 15 species of crane. But, most striking is the spray of stiff golden feathers which forms a crown around their heads.

Unfortunately, their distinctive looks have put them at risk as they are considered status symbols among the wealthy and are being poached, captured and illegally sold. They are under continuous threat – their eggs and feathers are used for medicinal remedies, breeding grounds are being contaminated by pesticides, fields are being eroded, there’s climate change and also collisions with power lines. This onslaught against the species means the Grey Crowned Crane is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

CCFA is proud to be involved with Tusk and RWCA on this project, using a holistic approach, to combat the threats faced by the cranes. Activities include:

Raising awareness of the legal and conservation status of cranes
Identifying and registering captive cranes, rehabilitating and reintroducing captive cranes

Working with local communities around key areas to reduce poaching

Comic book event at a school near Nyabarongo wetland

RWCA staff meet with youth environmental clubs before following up on their trees

Funding from CCFA and other charities has enabled Tusk and RWCA to educate, engage and improve the livelihoods of local communities around the Rugezi Marsh and Akagera National Park in Rwanda.

In Rugezi, RWCA has worked with an existing cooperative of ex-poachers, establishing a pig farm as an alternative income source and training them as marsh rangers to assist with law enforcement and crane monitoring.

In Akagera they have enlisted the help of community children. RWCA strongly believes in engaging and involving local communities, to ensure they take ownership of their wildlife and natural places. Part of that work is to inspire children and young people to be the new generation of conservationists.

Schools nearby key crane areas were visited and a conservation comic book distributed to educate around the need to protect Grey Crowned Cranes and their habitats. Over 20 000 school children pledged to protect the cranes and now understand that it’s not okay to take crane eggs or chicks.

Nine environmental youth clubs have been set up in areas nearby Rugezi Marsh and Akagera involving over 600 children. Led by a mentor and with the use of some great resources from the Tusk, children meet every weekend to learn about conservation, Grey Crowned Cranes and take action to protect their local environment.

Youth envionmental club mentors training on PACE

Comic book event at a school near Nyabarongo wetland 2

These children have used their initiative to implement activities in their area:

Planting thousands of indigenous trees around the buffer zone of the Marsh, as well as on their family land, which will hopefully become ideal roost trees for Grey Crowned Cranes
Learnt about and taken action against erosion
Are making biodegradable seedling pots to avoid the use of plastic
Cleaned up plastic discarded in their area.

Recently there was word that a Grey Crowned Crane had been poached. The reason it was ‘public knowledge’ was thanks to local children. They sought out the Community Conservation Champion, in the area, to report having seen a crane chick wandering around after it had escaped from a poacher’s house. Thanks to the children’s concern and quick action, the Champion was able to capture the crane chick and reunite it with its parents. The education and involvement of the community has led to an increase in reporting illegal activities.

It is news like this that gives us all – CCFA, Tusk Trust and the RWCA – hope that with children carrying the environmental and conservation torch we can protect our planet and really make a long-term difference ….other successes include:

The capture of newly hatched Crowned Crane chicks, on camera, by the team at Umusambi Village, a sanctuary for disabled cranes
Implementing a third national crane census which involved teams of staff and volunteers scouring the country to sight cranes as well as an aerial survey over Akagera National Park and Rugezi Marsh. A total of 748 cranes were sighted – up from 487 and 459 in previous years.

The Grey Crowned Crane is still on the endangered list but, with the help of the children of Rwanda and their growing enthusiasm to protect these distinctive birds and their habitat, there is renewed hope that this magnificent and environmentally critical bird will continue to be protected and sightings will grow. And, perhaps like Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe where they are protected – by law – Rwanda will follow.

Children aren’t just our future. They’re our present. [Ricky Martin]

Environmental youth club organising a litter picking activity

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Celebrating Biodiversity in the Urban Jungle

May 16, 2023

International Day Of Rural Women – A skills development project to empower communities

‘There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women’ [Kofi Annan]

The International Day of Rural Women was established by the United Nations General Assembly to recognise the critical role and contribution of rural and indigenous women, in enhancing rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty. Women’s empowerment is a key factor in the social and economic success of nations. When women succeed, everyone benefits.

At CCFA we work with a number of incredible women, from all walks of life, who are making a positive impact on the environment, on wildlife and the communities in which they live. On this International Day of Rural Women we’d like to highlight the tenacity, resourcefulness and creativity of a group of women sewers who live in the small town of Kylemore in the Western Cape.

Mascots, masks and now cute Christmas stockings

Two delightful stories intertwine as we start the 71 day count down to 25 December. The first is the tale of the origin of the Christmas stocking. It is said the Saint Nicholas, in the spirit of Christmas, threw three bags of gold through an open window on Christmas Eve and one landed in a stocking. When the girls and their father woke up the next morning they found the bags of gold and were, of course, overjoyed.

Another feel good story is that of a group of women in the tiny settlement of Kylemore, in the Western Cape who are sewing for us to ensure a sustained income. Through a partnership with Baby Cuddles, they have been designing and producing our animal mascots. Now they have turned their talents to making Christmas stockings in three different sizes. The stockings represent a trilogy of ‘all things good’ in the spirit of Christmas.

Firstly, by ordering our stockings you will not only be assisting the sewing group, who are sole financial providers, but also their immediate and extended families who rely on this income. It also makes it possible for us give others the opportunity to join the team, learn to sew and produce beautiful items made in South Africa. Secondly, you will be helping CCFA raise money for the many projects we support, who are desperately in need of funding. And last but not least, that ‘feel good, fuzzy’ feeling of knowing someone is going to delight in receiving this unique stocking on Christmas morning.

It’s not the first time our team of seamstresses has been asked to adapt their products to ensure there is a continued and sustainable income for them and their families. Initially they made the CCFA mascots – beautifully handmade toys, each with an individual character and personality, making them an ideal gift. Besides the original rhino, the range now includes elephants, gorillas, turtles and Bongos. These are sold at all the Mantis lodges and the profits used to support wildlife, environmental and community projects.

Then as the Covid-19 lockdown closed down tourism they turned their talents into making masks, out of Shweshwe cotton and strictly according to the Department of Health guidelines. They also started sewing bags for the hotels in the Mantis Collection when they opened again. These contain, amongst other items, sanitisers and will be given to each guest upon arrival.

Now they are excited to be part of the stocking project. Melanie Laing of Baby Cuddles, who has partnered with us in the sewing project says, ‘I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to work with a team of very talented, wonderful women who are always happy and full of smiles, no matter what life throws at them.

‘Four of our sewers are working on this particular project and we are delighted to be starting this soon. We are so grateful to our guardian angels, CCFA for constantly bringing in new ideas, providing sustainable work for our team and using their network to sell our crafts.’

CCFA is making the Christmas stockings to create work for the team and to raise money for various environmental projects. The more orders received, the more work generated which means these ladies have higher earning potential and will be able to enjoy a Christmas of their own.

The ladies have made samples and tested the response, which has been very positive – so everyone is raring to go and we’re hoping to complete around 60 stockings a day. We are also able to be flexible with the design and customize the stockings for corporates and include a company logo.

Orders are via our website and the stockings will be shipped directly from the group of sewers to the client. We are appealing to corporates to support this initiative. To be a ‘secret Santa’ and to help stimulate employment and financial independence for this group of women and their families, while also contributing towards the work being undertaken by the CCFA.

With only 71 days until Christmas, order your Christmas stockings now, not only will you be helping keep the women of Kylemore employed but also helping raise money for the CCFA projects.

To order online go to https://www.ccfa.africa or email info@ccfa.africa.

Large stocking, around 50cm long

R200

Medium stocking, around 45cm long

R150

Christmas tree decoration size, around 13cm long

R20

Celebrating Biodiversity in the Urban Jungle

May 16, 2023

CCFA translocating rhinos for the sustainability of wildlife conservation

Sep 22, 2020

World Rhino Day 2020 - CCFA translocating rhinos for the sustainability of wildlife conservation World Rhino Day is celebrated on September 22 every year! This special day provides the opportunity for cause-related organisations, NGOs, zoos and members of the...

CCFA translocating rhinos for the sustainability of wildlife conservation

World Rhino Day 2020 – CCFA translocating rhinos for the sustainability of wildlife conservation

World Rhino Day is celebrated on September 22 every year! This special day provides the opportunity for cause-related organisations, NGOs, zoos and members of the public to celebrate rhinos in their own unique ways. CCFA would like to use this day to showcase one of our project of which we are extraordinarily proud: The relocation of 5 Eastern black rhinos from the Czech Republic to Rwanda.

A year ago…

In 2019, five Eastern Black rhinos flew 6 000kms from a safari park in Czech Republic to Akagera National Park in Rwanda, in what was the largest ever transportation of rhinos from Europe to Africa. We are proud that we were part of the team by assisting with funding of the logistics for this successful relocation project.

Why the move?

Transporting rhino on such a long journey is not without its challenges. But, with fewer than 5000 Wild black rhinos and 1 000 Eastern black rhinos currently roaming game parks in Africa and poaching an ongoing problem, it is essential to relocate and rehabilitate rhino from other parts of the world. Not only to supplement the numbers but to develop a new, genetically diverse, rhino population. CCFA endeavours to support projects such as these which contribute to sustainable wildlife conservation.

The project began with the vision of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) – to help supplement the rhino populations in secure parks in Africa. The three female and two male rhinos ranging in age from two to nine years old are genetically robust and successful breeders – all under the watchful eye of EAZA’s ex situ programme.

The group

The rhino relocated are a cosmopolitan bunch. Jasiri, Jasmina and Manny were born in Safari Park Dvûr KráIové (Czech Republic); Olmoti comes from Flamingo Land (United Kingdom) and Mandela is from Ree Park Safari (Denmark).

TLC all the way

Moving rhino is a long process and the famous five took part in sensitization exercises for months prior to their trip to minimize the stress of the journey. They were also accompanied by experienced zookeepers from Safari Park Dvûr KráIové as well as veterinarian Dr. Pete Morkel, a world expert in rhino translocations. The team looked after them during the trip and stayed until they were fully introduced to their final destination in Rwanda.

‘If we don’t have conviction, Rhinos face extinction.’

The first anniversary

A year later – the first anniversary of the big move for the famous five. It was a long journey, the convoy left the Czech Republic on the 23rd June, 2019. Traveling overnight by air, the rhinos arrived in Rwanda early the following morning to be transported by road to Akagera National Park. After the long journey the rhinos settled in well and started the transition to living in Africa.

Shortly after their arrival they were fitted with transmitters to allow close monitoring of their movements as they adapted to their new environment. They were slowly weaned onto a diet of natural vegetation and gradually allowed to roam in increasingly large enclosures. By the end of the year they had been released into a 2 500 hectare area and continue to be monitored daily by a specialized team of rangers.

Possible romance

Currently, the youngest of the group, a female named Jasiri, spends her time with the young male, Mandela.

Both are browsing naturally for themselves and are in very good condition. The other duo, females Jasmina and Olmoti, stay together feeding mostly on natural browse but they have also been supplemented with pellets and lucerne.

Sadly, the older of the males, Manny, died in February. Despite the best veterinarian advice and being provided the same care and conditions as the other rhinos, Manny did not adapt well. The team was devastated.

Mandela and Jasiri

Olmoti and Jasmina

Jasmina

Mandela and Jasiri

The future

Despite the terrible loss, it’s important to remember and celebrate the success of such a big move. Establishing a robust population of this critically endangered and highly vulnerable species is a long term project goal. It will be some time before the four are fully released into the wider park, where they will have the chance of meeting the park’s existing rhinos and contributing to the growth and genetic diversity of this important population.

The rhinos and the team that monitors them, have made important advances and the outlook is very positive. The successes of this project are very much down to the collaboration and care of all involved and their dedication to conserving Eastern black rhino.

Why rhinos matter

Rhinos have been around for years and play a crucial role within their habitats. They are important grazers, consuming large amounts of vegetation which helps shape the African landscape. This benefits many other species, including elephant and helps keep a healthy balance within the ecosystem. Rhinos have also been an important source of income from ecotourism. They are now critically endangered and protection of black rhinos has been increasingly important, they now thrive in protected sanctuaries.

We look forward to updating you in the future about how the relocated rhino group are thriving and hopefully welcoming a calf or two into the family.

If you would like to get involved or make a donation that will assist us to continue to implement community conservation, we and the rhinos would be forever grateful. https://www.ccfa.africa/support/recurring-donations/

Celebrating Biodiversity in the Urban Jungle

May 16, 2023

CCFA translocating rhinos for the sustainability of wildlife conservation

Sep 22, 2020

World Elephant Day 2020 – Championing the survival and sustainability of elephant populations

“We admire elephants in part because they demonstrate what we consider the finest human traits: Empathy, self-awareness, and social intelligence. But the way we treat them puts on display the very worst of human behaviour.”

[Graydon Carter]

The 12^th August – World Elephant Day – may be the day to champion the survival and sustainability of elephant populations, but for many organisations it is a continuous task to ensure that these magnificent creatures are protected. Physically the largest animal and the closest mammal to dinosaurs, these lumbering animals are minutely sensitive with a highly developed brain and indelible memories.

Elephants are among the most intelligent creatures that share our planet. They are known as a keystone species, playing an important role in maintaining the biodiversity of the ecosystems in which they live. Here’s how:

Their dung is full of seeds from the many plants they eat. These seeds are sown into new grasses bushes and trees, boosting the health of the ecosystem
Their dung is also an important and plentiful source of food for a host of different dung beetles
They use their feet, trunks and tusks to create holes deep enough to tap into underground water sources. These elephant-made watering holes are then available for other animals to drink from
In forests, elephants create clearings by trampling vegetation. These clearings allow more light to reach the forest floor, giving lower-lying plants a better chance to grow. And, because different types of animals reply of different types of plants, this promotes species biodiversity.

But their numbers are declining as a result of poaching (for their ivory), ongoing habitat loss and degradation and conflict with humans.

Elephant conservation programmes are not just about looking after the elephants but also for the plants and animals that depend on them.

This is why the Elephant Conservation and Human Elephant Conflict Mitigation Programme, a collaborative project between CCFA and Tusk, is so important. It’s an initiative to help create harmony between communities and wildlife – predominantly elephant – in the Kunene region of Namibia.

The project is located in Ombonde People’s Park, home to desert-adapted elephant, black rhino, giraffe, lion and cheetah – all vulnerable or threatened in Africa. Through the Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation’s (IRDNC) this project aims to prevent poaching in the area, while enhancing and building on community ownership of wildlife and natural resources. This is an authentic partnership between community conservancies and the government.

Drought is a constant threat that affects basic living standards and survival. It creates social strains such as unemployment, hunger and an increase in human-wildlife conflict scenarios which has been exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19. Many predators have moved closer to the homesteads, preying on livestock and destroying gardens because they are struggling to source water and food in their own habitats. Similarly, some farmers are encroaching on core wildlife zones in search of better grazing opportunities for their livestock.

We recently donated U$25 000 towards erecting an electric fence around the community’s 14 hectare food garden. In addition to the fence, we have also secured a commitment from the local council to provide water to the conservancy, to ensure the farming project is sustainable and improves the lives of the community.

The easy to assemble and maintain system is being installed by the community and overseen by the IRDNC Human Wildlife Support team. There will be community ownership regarding the upkeep of the property.

African Parks_Akagera_Credit Laurie Hedges (1)

Although this practical intervention has addressed one of the major problems faced by the community, ongoing strategic interaction between the IRDNC and surrounding communities will continue in the form of:

Identifying community concerns around the encroaching elephant population, to formulate effective actions towards a more peaceful co-existence
Creating and maintaining awareness about the negative impact of elephant poaching as well as the economic and environmental benefits of cohabiting peacefully with the elephants
Monitoring elephant populations and their movements
Gathering data around elephant conflict and determining the cost of any damage to properties and farming livestock to find creative solutions to mitigate these situations
Incentivising communities by adding value through tourism, offering training that will enable them to find jobs in the wildlife tourism industry.

A trunkful of memories

In honour of these majestic icons and World Elephant Day let us introduce you to some of our beautifully designed and handcrafted ellie mascots. All named after the herd saved by the late Lawrence Anthony, an international conservationist, environmentalist, explorer and bestselling author.

Support CCFA and purchase an elephant mascot

ET – Enfant Terrible (terrible child)

This 14 year old female elephant was offered a safe sanctuary by Thula Thula at the request of the Elephant Managers and Owners Association after her entire family had been either shot or sold to the hunting trade. ET had also been promised to a trophy hunter…

ET was deeply traumatised and terrified when she first arrived at Thula Thula and hid in the thick bush for some time. Lawrence kept ET closely under his watch and tried many tricks and psychology techniques to try coax back her confidence. She was extremely sad and withdrawn and so he gave her the name ‘Enfant Terrible’. Eventually, after not making a sound or trumpet since her arrival, an effect of the trauma she had experienced, ET was taken in by the resident herd.

Lawrence watched in admiration as the local herd of elephants followed him towards the lone elephant and ET come running out to meet them. Soon she fell into line, second from the back and linked her trunk around the tail of the elephant in front of her. The elephant behind her ‘…was resting his trunk on her back as they moved along. Comforting her. Walt Disney himself could not have scripted a better ending,’ said Lawrence.

Frankie

Frankie’s protective instincts helped draw little orphan ET out of her depression and to this day, the two of them have a very special bond. Known as the ‘feisty aunt’, Frankie is the herd’s self-appointed guardian. Lawrence recalls witnessing her delight in breaking away from the rest of the herd and storming past them at full speed, “head held high and glaring fiercely just for the hell of it.”

Mnumzane

Pronounced nom-zahn meaning “sir” in Zulu. At age 15 & 3 ½ tons he arrived at Thula Thula in a “rage” having witnessed his mother (the herd’s previous matriarch) and baby sister being shot. Despite his youth he instinctively knew that he must protect his herd but Mnumzane had been demoted from crown prince to pariah after his mother’s demise.

And as is the eons old elephant way (as elephant herds are fiercely feminized) once a male approaches puberty he is evicted, cast away from the ‘inner circle’. From that moment on he would spend the majority of his time either alone or on the periphery of the group. In the wild, evicted males would form loosely knit ‘askari‘ bachelor herds under the guidance of a wise old bull. Unfortunately there was no father figure for Mnumzane but he could stand up for himself and both humans and animals alike knew not to mess with him.

Mandla

Mandla translates to ‘power’ in Zulu and was the name bestowed upon this 23 year old elephant bull following his break-out from the boma with his herd, soon after their initial arrival at Thula Thula Reserve. ‘Mandla’ honours his endurance and tenacity in keeping up with the rest of the herd, despite his young age.

“If elephants didn’t exist, you couldn’t invent one. They belong to a small group of living things so unlikely they challenge credulity and common sense.”

― Lyall Watson

Celebrating Biodiversity in the Urban Jungle

May 16, 2023

CCFA translocating rhinos for the sustainability of wildlife conservation

Sep 22, 2020

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International Day Of Rural Women – A skills development project to empower communities

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