Saving endangered and threatened species is Peter’s passion and his work. Rhino, lion, leopards, cheetah in South Africa.
Nikela is a virtual organization, so we meet most people via one of the social networks. Meeting Peter Milton was no different. After doing our research and a lengthy Skype call, we felt we’d found the man with the team we wanted to support.
Peter, like us, is against the legalizing of the rhino horn trade, and is for using all the modern technology possible and engaging as many local people as practical in the fight to save the last rhinos.
“If we can’t save the rhino, what hope is there for the other wildlife of Africa”
is the haunting question Peter asks us all.
It is with pleasure that I introduce you to one of our heroes who save African wildlife, namely…
Peter Milton, protector of rhino
I was born in the Kalahari, a desert wilderness area, in South Africa. My parents were both nature and animal lovers and introduced a value system in me at a very young age which embraced a deep respect and love for fauna and flora. My formative years were hugely influenced by nature and conservation issues and either by accident or design, my father had me spending much time with wildlife and conservation focused people such as Prof JB Smith, Dr. Neil Rickert, and many others. My father was also a very keen amateur photographer and uncovered in me a passion for this art form.
We always lived far away from towns and cities throughout Southern Africa and over the years, nature and wildlife conservation became the cornerstone of my existence.
At the age of 19, I was drafted into the South African Army, an event which rudely interrupted my wildlife studies. My natural bush and survival skills stood me in good stead during the period of the Angolan conflict and others. The unit that I served with allowed me to once again, live very close to nature.
On leaving the army, I invested the significant amount of money I had accumulated over the years into various business efforts. I dabbled in the early years of information technology and I did a lot of wildlife photography for various game reserves. My intention was to remain/become financially secure in order to commit myself fully to conservation efforts. In those years and today, conservation is not a well-paid career and many have fallen by the wayside due to financial constraints.
After involving myself in a number of conservation efforts, I decided to form my own conservation company and Strategic Protection Of Threatened Species (SPOTS) was born. SPOTS stands as a reflection of all I am and all I have ever been. I now live my life where each day allows me to make a difference to that which I hold so dear and is a true privilege.
Learn more about Peter’s work in the field saving rhino (and how you can help.)
