THE threat and endangerment to vulture populations was what inspired Durban North resident Claire De Sylva to raise funds for the Wildlife ACT at this year’s Rhino Peak Challenge (RPC).
The challenge, a conservation fundraiser, also sees 35 other athletes take on a 21km trek in the Maloti Drakensberg World Heritage Site.
The ascent of the famous Rhino Peak (3 056m) in under three hours also raises funds for various conservation charities, including The Endangered Wildlife Trust, and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Wildlife ACT.
“The Wildlife ACT is a non-profit trust on a mission to save our planet’s endangered wildlife and wild places from extinction,” explained De Sylva.
The 36-year-old said she felt strongly about the cause and hoped to raise R20 000 for the trust.
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“I didn’t realise how endangered vultures were and how important they are until I learned more about our vultures. Many of us know about the decline in the rhino population, but we don’t really know about the endangerment of vultures. The Wildlife ACT helps protect vulture populations and maintains and implements safe zones for them to thrive.
“I have been involved in various humanitarian causes which I’ve championed, but I also feel passionate about this. I knew I had to get involved and highlight the work the act does and show solidarity for their cause,” she said.
Key to her fundraising mission is her feathery mascot.
“I actually plan to carry my mascot up the mountain on the day. I created a vulture using a ballroom mask, feather dusters and a poster highlighting what I’m doing. I wanted it to stand out,” she said.
So far, the local resident has raised more than R6 000.
If you would like to donate to her cause, follow this link.
