Women take on the plight of the elephant
100 Day Odyssey to raise awareness over declining elephant numbers.
THE all-female crew who travelled through 10 African countries, spanning 16 000km and lasting 100 days, to raise awareness for declining elephants populations are back home.
The 100 Day African Odyssey was aimed at raising awareness for the poaching crisis faced by Africa’s declining elephant populations.
The ladies’ adventure began from Sibiya Casino and Entertainment Complex on Women’s Day, 9 August, and focused on community upliftment, youth education, public awareness for wildlife crime and poaching.
The Odyssey was also a fundraising venture to support organisations involved in the fight against the exploitation of animal rights.
Trekking through South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi and Kenya, the team distributed 20 000 educational booklets to schools and communities.
They further visited 37 organisations involved in conserving African wildlife to report on the work they do.
The women paid for their own trip and monies raised will be directed to beneficiaries.
Durban North resident, Carla Geyser, expedition leader, said the ladies are enthusiastic about their cause. Geyser is also from Blue Sky Society Trust, a registered non profit organisation and The Elephant Ignite Expedition was one of BSST’s conservation projects for this year.
“They worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the expedition and projects we visited are truly amazing. It is humbling to see the dedication these people have, to make a different and protect Africa’s wildlife. It motivates us to work harder to get their message to the world,” Geyser said.
The team made their last stop at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s orphaned elephant facility in Nairobi, Kenya, where they met with Dr Dame Daphne Sheldrick and her daughter, Angela.
“Daphne Sheldrick’s involvement with wildlife has spanned over many years and she is a recognised international authority on the rearing of wild creatures.
“She has also perfected the milk formula and husbandry for infant milk-dependent elephants and rhinos. Engaging with a true ‘matriach’ of the conservation was an utterly memorable experience and a fitting end to the journey of a lifetime for us,” Geyser said.
