Urgent - Prevent cruel poaching of rare wildlife

Thank you for your unwavering support. Just as we begin to exhale after a quiet stretch, the forest whispers its warning—and we brace ourselves once again.

This week, during a routine patrol, we discovered something deeply unsettling: Ilala Palm twine tied to trees. These thin, shredded ribbons—crafted from the leaves of the Ilala palm—are a known hallmark of poaching. Their subtle appearance makes them easy to miss during surveillance, but their presence is unmistakable to those who know what to look for.

Poachers use this twine to suspend steel wire slip snares over wildlife pathways. These paths, worn gently into the earth by generations of animals, become deadly traps. When an animal walks into the noose, the palm twine snaps, triggering the wire loop to tighten—often around the neck or leg. Anchored to a sturdy tree or log, the wire constricts with every movement, immobilising or strangling the animal. If it doesn’t die immediately, it remains trapped—without food, without water, suffering in silence. It is a cruelty that defies description.

We were fortunate to find the twine before any snares were activated. Our team launched an immediate de-snaring operation, sweeping the forest with urgency and care. Frustratingly, no snares were found—only the remnants and footprints. This suggests the snares were removed, but the intent was clear. 

In some ways, this was a blessing in disguise. It served as a stark reminder to heighten our vigilance. The timing coincided with the full moon, a period poachers often exploit for its natural light—avoiding torches that might reveal their movements.

Our guards are now on high alert, day and night. Their dedication and courage remain our strongest defense against this relentless threat.

We are grateful beyond words for your continued support. It fuels our resolve and protects the lives of the vulnerable creatures who call this sanctuary home.

Poaching Strikes Nearby, but Our Wildlife Remains Safe – Thanks to You

Recently, poaching devastated a neighboring property—but thankfully, our wildlife remain safe.

When we first heard the cries, our hearts sank. We knew immediately something was terribly wrong. A dreadful act had taken place: poachers had struck, snaring five nyala and two zebra from our new neighbors’ land. The animals' distress calls echoed through the bush, piteous and haunting.

When we were notified of the previous night's poaching, we rushed to check on our own wildlife. First, the zebra—safe. Then the wildebeest—also unharmed. But we could tell something was off. Our usually calm impala, nyala, and shy little red duiker were jittery, on edge. They sensed the danger, just as we did.

We immediately dispatched additional security patrols to monitor our fenceline and look for any signs of intrusion. Thankfully, all was in order—no signs of poaching on our side. But the proximity of the attack was chilling.

The poachers had timed their attack cruelly. Our kind neighbors had just moved into their new home and were still in transition between properties. It seems the poachers took advantage of this vulnerable window.

Thankfully, our neighbors have now reinforced their security measures.

Our commitment to protecting the reserve is unwavering. Along with safeguarding our wildlife, we also monitor for illegal plant harvesting. Sometimes, whole plants or large sections of bark are taken—acts that harm the ecosystem and deplete our already limited flora. This is why we place such importance on educating local communities about the value of preserving indigenous vegetation. Through guided hikes and educational walks, we share knowledge and cultivate appreciation for the bush—but we must stress that our reserve cannot support harvesting.

Dear supporter, we cannot thank you enough.
Because of your generosity, we’ve been able to employ extra wildlife guards and enhance our surveillance efforts. Your care and support help us respond quickly and protect those who cannot protect themselves.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us.