Russ, Author at Nikela: Helping People Saving Wildlife

A Journey With Marnus Who Loves Wild Lions – The Beginnings

Dec 5, 2018 · by Russ · In: Human Wildlife Conflict, lion, Marnus, Nikela Blog Tagged: Botswana, human-wildlife conflict, Marnus Roodbol, Namibia, saving lions

Tell me? Who has the will or courage to single-handedly protect 60 wild lions from poachers and irate farmers in the bush of Africa? Well, Marnus loves wild lions so he did for over 3 years. Now if you connections to heavy pockets it could be a bit easier. Some conservation projects start with high level connections to government and lots of caring people. Thus they find tons of funding, have new kitted Land Cruisers and other cool stuff. Then they hire lots of staff and get to work. It would still be a tough job though. What if you…

Go with the flow! AKA 2018 African Safari Update #3

Nov 21, 2018 · by Russ · In: #NikelaAfrica, elephant, Human Wildlife Conflict, Living in a Landy, Nikela Blog Tagged: Safari 2018-2019, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Our African Safari update is a bit different than expected. Remember the moto “Go with the Flow”? Well, it’s been flowing all over the place these past 7 weeks. After the amazing experiences in Mana Pools Zimbabwe, we headed north across the border to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. There we hunkered down for a week for some much needed rest and to catch up on our videos etc. On the way we stopped in Chirundu Zimbabwe and stayed at the Jecha Point Fishing Lodge. We just wanted to overnight but were overwhelmed by Iona’s friendliness and obvious love for…

Our African Safari so far in month two – Wildlife, Heroes, Mishaps

Oct 4, 2018 · by Russ · In: #NikelaAfrica, Baboon, elephant, Free to be Wild, Human Wildlife Conflict, Nikela Blog, Poaching, wildlife conservation Tagged: Baye Pigors, Brent Stapelkamp, Mana Pools, Samantha Cassidy

We’re trying hard to do a better job at keeping you posted on our second African Safari north from South Africa to Kenya (this time Ethiopia is in the plan.) So, here is a summary of month two. [Missed month one? Click here for story and video] Happy Birthday Margrit So, only one birthday candle in Margrit’s breakfast cereal? Well, let’s call it a bush cake. And 66 candles, well enough said. We did sing Happy Birthday, saw a John Wayne Movie up in the roof top, and her gift… an 8 month safari in Africa, of course. Broken Back…

Meet the Anti-Poaching Helicopters in Kruger National Park

Sep 18, 2018 · by Russ · In: #NikelaAfrica, Animal Poaching, Poaching, rhino Tagged: anti-poaching, endangered species, illegal trade, rhino, rhino calf, rhino poaching, wildlife trafficking

Tell me, what do Warren Buffett, Asian syndicates, and Rhino horn have in common? Anti-Poaching helicopters! And the war on Rhino poaching in the Kruger NP South Africa. Recently we got a glimpse into this important aspect of the war. A good friend Sheila of ‘Dance To Be Wild’ fame introduced us to Byron and his young family located on the front lines in Kruger. They are living the dream. Howard Buffett, Warren’s son, donated $24 million in 2014 to help stem the tide of Rhino poaching. Part of which bought and outfitted anti-poaching helicopters to transport rangers and wounded…

Ann Reilly, Preserving Wildlife & Legacy in Swaziland

Sep 11, 2018 · by Russ · In: conservation, Nikela Blog, People, wildlife conservation Tagged: #NikelaAfrica, Ann Reilly, Mlilwane, Swaziland, wildlife conservation

Suddenly a huge crocodile splashed its dinner around in the shallows of the hippo pond in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Time stood still for all of us. Ann Reilly, a very busy woman, sat back and savored the moment. From our discussion with Ann, she obviously has deep experience and opinions on wildlife and preserving nature. But what spoke volumes of her passion for the work was the way she looked at that croc. A true raw nature moment. Exactly what her family has devoted their lives to preserve. I can’t tell you how pleased we were to meet Ann Reilly. She is…