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.