Southern African Wildlife College staff members Bruce McDonald and Marianne De Kock were recognised at 2018 Rhino Conservation Awards on Friday, 24 August 2018.
They were placed second and third respectively in the category ‘Rhino Conservation Supporter’, for their exceptional contribution to the cause.
The Rhino Conservation Awards were founded in 2011 to recognise significant role players in rhino conservation.
The gala event to announce the winners was hosted by the Game Rangers Association of Africa, The Department of Environmental Affairs, Carl Zeiss AG and China New Enterprises Inc, under the patronage of His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco, who delivered a video message commending all of the nominees for their contribution to the struggle.
McDonald is the College’s aerial wing pilot and Marianne De Kock is Programmes Manager: Protected Area Integrity, African Field Ranger Training Services Division. “We’re extremely proud of both of them and their contributions to conservation. Their passion, professionalism and dedication is clear in everything they do,” said College CEO, Theresa Sowry.
McDonald’s aerial support has become critical to wildlife monitoring, ranger deployment, and to counter poaching operations. As part of its needs-based training approach and its location, the
College is actively involved in providing aerial support, monitoring the area in which it operates, training students in ground-to-air patrols (now included in all advanced field-ranger training courses offered by the SAWC) and training bush pilots.
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The aerial wing’s area of operation has grown considerably over the past year, offering operational support to an area of roughly 500 000 hectares including sections of the Kruger as well as across the Associated Private Nature Reserves. McDonald is credited with, “Undoubtedly saving many rhino from being killed, having been involved in rhino counter poaching operations and in the rescue of maimed or orphaned rhino. He really is our eye in the sky and although not one to talk about his successes, he is one of the most experienced pilots operating in conservation in South Africa today,” notes Sowry
De Kock’s role is on the ground, training rangers. She has more than three decades of experience in this specialist field. As a SADC centre of specialisation, many of her students are now deployed throughout southern Africa after having completed their training at the College.
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“The field ranger is at the forefront of anti-poaching and conservation efforts. As the law enforcement component of nature conservation, rangers work in sometimes harsh and hostile environments. To do their jobs ethically, effectively, and safely, they need to be well prepared. Marianne sees that they are; guiding them with passion and integrity. It is a vocation more than just a job and we and our students are lucky to have her,” notes Sowry.
She added: “The energy surrounding these awards shows just how much strength there is in unity, and that conservation success comes through support for each other, whether it’s in running a centre of specialisation in conservation education, training and skills development or tackling the most pressing of conservation issues out in the field. Congratulations to all recipients.”
