Hong Kong scouts’ life-changing experience

Hosted at the Wilderness Safaris offices in Rivonia, the representatives from the Scouts Association of Hong Kong and the Jane Goodall Institute presented what they had learnt. They were hosted by local safari operator Captured in Africa, an organisation which promotes conservation through safari.

The scouts were educated in conservation and the complex issues surrounding it through visits to the Kruger National Park and the Cradle of Humankind.

Founder of Captured in Africa, Drew Abrahamson said, “We were contacted by the Jane Goodall Institute in Hong Kong, who ran a competition with the scouts association with regards to endangered wildlife. So we have brought the winners here to take them to the various places where we work so they could get as much knowledge on conservation issues as possible.”

Abrahamson added that it was very important that Scouts gained first-hand experience of the beautiful wildlife and hopefully create a connection with the endangered species in Africa.

Rosana Ng from the Jane Goodall Institute in Hong Kong said, “To the Scouts it is a very different world, because where we’re from there are only buildings and there are no opportunities to see all the space and beautiful wildlife. This was very impactful.

“I think it’s very important for them to understand the crisis in Africa, which has to do with the drive coming from Asia such as the demand in ivory and rhino horn.”

Ng concluded that the trip was a way to change the Scouts’ mindset and give them insight into the endangered species of Africa.

The event saw the Scouts socialising with members of Rhino SA and other organisations before presenting their findings on their six-day trip.

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