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Below is more about the Foundation and the work we have been doing with wildlife in South Africa.
Andrew Bone, the Foundation’s creator was historically linked with African wildlife and its conservation.
As one of the leading international wildlife artists he travelled extensively throughout his native Zimbabwe, especially the Zambezi Valley and Mana Pools guiding and gaining knowledge of the flora and fauna.
Wild dogs or painted dogs have been persecuted throughout the ages by man and habitat loss. There are probably less than 6000 individuals in the wild. Conservation groups work tirelessly to monitor and protect these amazing animals – however, wild dogs do not make this essential work easy!
When a pack, lead by an alpha male and female, become too numerous, it is the adult females that leave the safety of the unit and roam in search of nomadic males.
Wildlife ACT, headed by Chris Kelly has been involved with the monitoring, relocation and conservation of endangered species for decades. His organisation works with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (the National Parks authority) and their environmental department.
Before the introduction of any predator into the reserve, there must be a period of acclimatization. During this time, National Parks veterinary officers can monitor the health of the animal, check for signs of stress and allow it to get used to the conditions. It may be weeks before the gates to the enclosure are opened for the animal to have access to freedom.
Since the erection of fencing around National Parks to keep animals from straying beyond the park parameter and to keep poachers out, species have been denied the introduction of nomadic individuals. Predators especially are affected by weakening gene pools.
As the problem is man-made, we are beholden to resolve the issue through the introduction of ‘new blood lines’.
In June 2015, after spending many hours following wild dog with Chris Kelly I asked how many cheetahs had been recorded in the park. Chris estimated a dozen or so which I doubted as I had never seen any sign since my wanderings throughout Hluhluwe – Imfolozi. On behalf of the Foundation I offered to support the efforts to locate a cheetah and monitor it.
In March 2016 the Forever Wild Foundation, in collaboration with Ezemvelo Wildlife and ACT began the task of re-populating Hluhluwe-Imfolozi with cheetah. There are an estimated 1200 adult cheetah in South Africa, with a total population of 7000 spread throughout the sub-continent. Any population strong-hold would be welcomed. As with lions, it is essential that gene pools are not weakened through inter-breeding and that individuals are moved within sanctuaries for diversification.
It is only through the generosity of donors and the professionalism of ACT and Ezemvelo officers that the cheetah population in Zululand has risen like the Phoenix. To keep the project maintained is the greatest challenge of all.
It is only through the generosity of donors and the professionalism of ACT and Ezemvelo officers that the cheetah population in Zululand has risen like the Phoenix.
