First Sponsored Project a Big Success! | Nikela: Helping People Saving Wildlife

Students and Teachers from the Meholokazulu High School, Imbali, KZN, South Africa.
Photo courtesy of www.frankvanegmond.nl

Its early afternoon on Saturday October 30th and Russ and I are on the road once again, this time headed for Salt Lake City via Cheyenne. Shannon’s flight demonstration in Pietermaritzburg has to be over. How did it all go? Russ’s phone bleeps. A text message from Thoko (Meholokazulu High School science teacher):

“…we are just back from the trip it was so so awesome kids learnt a lot and got more interested (in wildlife). The principal asked for a proposal to participate in pilot…”

Dispelling myths about owls at the Raptor flight demonstration
Photo courtesy of www.frankvanegmond.nl

Whoo! Hoo! As my son would say… we are so thrilled. Not only did the students from the Environmental Club have the experience we hoped for, the principal is on board to conduct our wildlife conservation education pilot project in his school! Wonderful news!

“Owls are bad luck.” “If you see an owl someone you love will die.”

Getting up close and personal with owls helps dispel these myths that get these beautiful birds killed and increasingly at risk for becoming endangered.

Shannon dispels myths about sniffing vulture brains
Photo courtesy of www.frankvanegmond.nl

“No, sniffing the dried brains of a vulture doesn’t help you win the lotto!” The false understanding that vulture brains can make humans clairvoyant costs thousands of vultures their lives every year. These students now know better.

This trip to visit the Raptor Sanctuary and experience Shannon’s interactive flight show is NIKELA’S very first sponsored project. Frank van Egmond (my photographer friend from the Netherlands) took the photos. He kindly donated his time and expertise to capture the moment.

Thanks to all of you who made it happen. If you didn’t get a chance to contribute your donation is welcome to assist with funding the pilot wildlife conservation education project at the Meholokazulu High School. More about this forth coming.

PS: Watch for comments from the students who were there in future postings.