Conservation Activities
There is so much work that goes into conservation that people may not realize. Along with the more basic of needs comes awareness and education and footwork. At Shared Universe Foundation some of our other initiatives will include:
Conservation Expeditions
Our aim is to create a rich biodiversity needed to conserve and protect species that are vulnerable to extinction. In order to do this, we are working hard to achieve an ecologically sound game reserve where there is naturally all the essential resources for our wildlife. Not only are we rewilding this region of Africa, we area also the caretakers of each and every animal within it.
We have brought a new way approach to the classical "volunteering" project. The Conservation Expeditions are a way for people to see and experience hands on involvement in all things related to conservation. Collar replacements for elephants, wild dogs, rhinos and more, as well as hands on training in the conservation. In just one week, "volunteers" will get to experience the heart pounding excitement in the world of conservation. From flying in a helicopter to view a darting or game count, to side by side experience next to veterinarians, to one on one contact with the animals that you are helping, to learning in the ins and outs of conservation management and all the while in the comfort of great accommodation and tasting the local cuisine.
Every penny of your trip will be specifically used in the care and well-being of the animals you are helping to protect, and in the conservation efforts in our program.
Want to know more? Contact us or visit Mapesu's site for more detail.
Ecosystem Restoration:
Biodiversity is an underrated and complex issue but there is no doubt the large impact it can have on a region. Having vegetation which supports the vast variety of wildlife of the South African savanna needs to be conserved. Continual investment is needed for the mopane-encroachment project which helps to clear the vast land as recommended by ecologist in order to return good grasslands.
For further information on any of these projects, please contact us.
Mapesu Game Reserve
Mapesu Game Reserve located to the north near the borders with Zimbabwe and Botswana has the space required for our programs as well as for other initiatives.
The Rhino S.O.S (SAVE OR SIRE), is to create a rhino crèche which will provide a safe place for the species. This sanctuary will also allow farmers who own rhinos, but can no longer safely take care of them on their own property, a location to preserve them.
The crèche will consist of a fenced-off zone and a boma area for rhinoceros to be introduced to the ranch and for closer monitoring when needed. The entire area will be fenced and guarded by an anti-poaching unit with excellent training and tools at their disposal.
A qualified veterinarian will be on standby in the event of illness or injury. Lucerne and other feed as well as minerals will be provided when needed. Similarly damages related to rhinos that pass away due to natural causes such as fighting, labor, disease or old age will be addressed.
Understanding how hard it may be for animal lovers to part with their rhinos; we offer a relatively safe way for someone to still own a rhino and really feel connected to the conservation of the species.
All adoptive owners will have visitor’s rights, and will be kept up to date on the development of the project as well as their rhinos (newsletters, website, web cameras, drones, etc.)
By increasing the number of owners and rhinos, shared cost will be driven down and optimum protection can be organized. More money means more anti-poachers, better weapons, better technology, and better veterinary care amongst others.
The location of the farm as well as the intense human activity can be a deterrent for poachers, nevertheless poaching is a real and present danger and needs to be accepted for what it is. People must realize that loss of life for both rhinos and humans is a possibility.