A total of $22,510 was dispersed to six projects in five different countries in Africa. Now in comparison to what the large organizations did, it’s not much. But, for our Wildlife Heroes and the work they do to protect wildlife it made a big difference.
Watch what Moses in Tanzania has to say about saving elephants with bees, thanks to your gifts.
Over the last decade Nikela has given over $105,000 to 24 projects in eight African countries. Your donations have protected lions in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique. Preserved elephants in Tanzania and Malawi. Rescued monkeys in South Africa and pangolin in Uganda. Protected rhino in South Africa. Provided a safe haven for all kinds of feathered and furry in Zimbabwe. Now on to the specifics of 2021.
How you helped Nikela help people saving wildlife in 2021
The Bee Project in Tanzania
Bees keep elephants out of farm crops. Moses Ryakitimbo and his team construct climate specific beehives and strategically place them along crop field perimeters. In June the 100th beehive was installed. The end of 2021 left us short only by 44 beehives to protect all the farms of the village of Lendoiya. The farmers and their families report a fine harvest in 2021. And they’re enjoying the yummy honey too.
Alternative Livelihoods for Former Poachers
Poachers are willing to trade their spears for shovels. Moses Arienetwe, in Uganda, provides them with alternative options to earn a living. During 2021 Nikela sponsored 2 fish ponds, paid the salary for a fish guard, funded fish food, and assisted with varies agricultural and other money-making initiatives. To date the 38 reformed poachers involved have not returned to poaching wildlife.
Pangolin Rescue Mission
Pangolin are endangered. These harmless creatures are snatched from the wild and eaten or sold into the wildlife trafficking trade. Moses Arienetwe has developed a network of informants who aid him in rescuing poached pangolin before it’s too late. During 2021 Nikela sponsored 16 Pangolin Rescue Missions, assisted with an owl rescue, and funded the repairs of the temporary pangolin holding enclosure.
Anti-Poaching Dog to protect wildlife
What started out as a small rescue rehab center for a baboon has grown into a go-to wildlife center in Zimbabwe. We’ve been associated with Baye Pigors for years now. During 2021 we sponsored a much-needed anti-poaching dog. Kitapo, is a highly trained canine who together with her handler will keep poachers out of Baye’s release area.
Sponsor Care for Orphaned Baby Monkeys
Every year, starting in October, orphaned pink faces (baby vervet monkeys) are brought to Silke’s rehab center north of Pretoria, South Africa. These tiny little ones are carefully nurtured and then given new monkey families. For several years Nikela has sponsored Nikela and MK, two rescued orphans. During 2021, we’re happy to report, MK and his troop were successfully released in a safe wild place. Nikela’s troop should be following suit soon.
Fuel for Anti-Poaching Rangers to protect Rhino
Rhinos are killed for their horns. Their horns are smuggled to Asia where they are sold. Peter Milton continues to work in South Africa to protect rhino from poachers. During 2021 we were able to assist with fuel costs. Peter tells us that where drones and anti-poaching rangers are present rhino continue to remain safe.
Equipment for Lion Rangers
Lion Rangers patrol for poachers and do lion counts for research. Their work with Marnus Roodbol helps protect some truly wild lions in the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park. When we finally got back to Africa in September 2021, we had the good fortune of hand delivering some equipment to Marnus personally. With your help the Lion Rangers got 2 new tents, 2 mattresses, 2 back packs, 6 tripod chairs and 6 cap lamps with batteries.
Changes in 2022
Due to many changes in the world, and for us personally, beginning January 2022 Nikela is scaling back to support only one project. All donations will go to the most sustainable and successful project, Moses Ryakitimbo’s work to mitigate human wildlife conflict in Tanzania. His work using beehives to keep elephants out of farm fields has been a true win-win situation. Elephants aren’t speared. Crops aren’t trampled. Humans aren’t harmed. And, the honey is a yummy little side hustle.
Should you want to continue supporting our other Wildlife Heroes we invite you to donate to them directly. We look forward to a successful year of mitigating human wildlife conflicts in Tanzania and as always welcome your participation in sponsoring a beehive.
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