“For me, to shake the president’s hand was an emotional moment during an incredible afternoon engaging with him,” said Ossendryver. “I had my question all ready to ask him but there wasn’t enough time.”
This is the question that Nadav Ossendryver (16) wanted to ask president Obama: Mr President, my name is Nadav Ossendryver. I’m the founder of www.latestsightings.com, a website with over 75 000 members dedicated to tracking and protecting wildlife.
South Africa’s wildlife is one of our most valuable resources. However, the rhinoceros is in extreme danger of being poached to extinction for its horns. What can America do to put more pressure on countries where these horns are being sold, and to stop the international smuggling of rhino horn, elephant tusks and other endangered species? Furthermore, will you and your administration stand with South Africa and our neighbours to put an end to this devastating practice before it’s too late?
Ossendryver started the website when he was 15. Channelling his passion for wildlife, conservation and his love of the Kruger Park, he has created an online, real-time, wildlife spotting service for visitors to the Kruger. Latest Sightings uses the concept of crowd sourcing, combining social media such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, BBM groups, a website and an iPhone app, to inform visitors to the park, as well as enthusiasts worldwide, where interesting animals and birds have just been spotted.
Not even a year old, Latest Sightings has over 70 000 members in its community, across all social media. The site has become an integral part of wildlife research: for example, it has teamed up with KNP Wild Dogs, the Endangered Wildlife Trust, and the Leopard Identification Project.
Through his Latest Sightings community, Ossendryver has saved wildlife such as rhinos, hyenas and wild dogs from poaching.
Ossendryver is also the Eco Ambassador for the Endangered Wildlife Trust and is the youngest Virtual Honorary Ranger appointed by SANParks.
Recently, he was chosen from a list of 21 children around the world by Treehugger.com who are deemed to ‘save the world from adults’.
https://www.treehugger.com/culture/future-bright-21-super-kids-will-save-world-adults.html
