We were recently visited again by Margrit and Russ from Nikela and were thrilled to show them around and for them to see how much the Sanctuary had grown since their last visit in 2015. It was an oppourtinuty for them to meet Aimee and Alec and learn more about the people who have come on board to help the Sanctuary do what it’s meant to, rehabilitate and return Zimbabwes wildlife back into the wild.
They got to witness our new educational programme for the youth of Zimbabwe, Wildlife Warriors, in action and see what else we were doing to bring in the much needed funds to stay operational.
“As the children were lining up ready to leave I asked them what they’d learned. Hands shot up eager to respond. The most telling answer was, “I learned that we must protect our wildlife.” When I followed up with, “Why?” She quickly came back with, “Because we don’t want any animals to get hurt.”Yes, education works.”
Russ and Margrit also learned that one of our biggest concerns was ensuring we had the funds to pay our very own ‘Guardians of the Wild’, Khumbulani and Dinghani. Ensuring we are able to pay their wages each month and look after them as well as they look after our fury charges is constant concern. Upon hearing this they were so moved by this and from what they already knew about Khumbulani they awarded him the ‘Caught ’em doing good for Wildlife’ Award and gave him $100 which brought tears to my eyes.
He has been such a huge part of Free to Be Wild and we would genuinely not be where we are without him and his compassion for wildlife.
This has lead us to create our ‘Sponsor a Guardian’ programme where you too can make a donation towards Khumbulani and Dinghani’s wage. We need $2400 each a year to support these great men in wildlife.
