Cassie Sonne | Nikela: Helping People Saving Wildlife

Trophy Hunting vs Ecotourism: Which is better for the conservation of African lions?

Jul 13, 2016 · by Nikela Volunteer/Guest blogger · In: Lions, trophy hunting Tagged: Africa's lions, canned hunting, Cassie Sonne, ecotourism, lion, trophy hunting

The killing of Cecil the lion brought an old controversy around the conservation of African lions back to the fore front. What’s happened since the death of Cecil Lion trophy hunting rocketed to the world’s attention with Cecil the lion’s death. With that the controversy over the real effect that trophy hunting has on wild lions was raised once again. Some, like New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, believe firmly in trophy hunting’s negative impact. This led to him introducing the CECIL Animal Trophies Act, which aims to tamp down trophy hunting by banning importing parts of endangered animals. Others…

Wonderful Volunteer Wednesday – Cassie Sonne

Jun 15, 2016 · by Wildlife Margrit · In: All Posts, Nikela Volunteer, wildlife conservation, Wonderful Volunteer Wednesday Tagged: Cassie Sonne, Nikela volunteer, testimonial, Why I Want to Save Wildlife

Periodically we spotlight a wonderful volunteer making a difference by sharing time and expertise with us. “I’ve got some time. Do you have another writing assignment for me?” These are words we love to hear. You know… It is one thing to have a wonderful volunteer like Cassie contribute as a blog writer, it is another to learn that her work on the Nikela team has changed her life focus! Let me introduce you to Cassie … Q: Where do you live? A: California, United States Q: How did you come to love Africa’s wildlife? A: I grew up next…

Three Frequently Overlooked Endangered Wildlife Species

May 25, 2016 · by Nikela Volunteer/Guest blogger · In: All Posts, wildlife conservation Tagged: African Penguin, Cassie Fireblood, Cassie Sonne, endangered birds, Liben Lark, Northern Bald Ibis, Sidamo Lark

When we think of endangered wildlife species we immediately think of the iconic mammals and frequently overlook the highly endangered birds of Africa. Birds are often left behind when people imagine endangerment and conservation. Yet the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) recently revealed that extinction has become a threat for an ever-increasing number of bird species. One hundred and ninety-two birds find themselves on the IUCN Red List of Critically Endangered Birds, and many of these make their home in Africa. Three Most Endangered Wildlife Species of Birds Sidamo/Liben Lark The bird with the largest current threat of…

Three of the Most Endangered Mammals of Africa

May 10, 2016 · by Nikela Volunteer/Guest blogger · In: Safari Travels Tagged: Cassie Sonne, endangered, endangered mammals, mountain gorilla, Riverine Rabbit, white rhino

Bet you’ll be surprised who makes this undesirable list of the most endangered mammals of Africa. When people think of endangered animals in Africa, elephants, giraffes, and zebras often come to mind. But the most critically endangered mammal in Africa is actually the Riverine Rabbit. Currently, there are less than 250 of these rabbits in the wild. Riverine Rabbit It has a very small geographical range, living in the part of the Karoo Desert in South Africa that can actually be used for agriculture. As its habitat becomes farmland, the Riverine Rabbit population continues to decline. Sharing the land with…

Saving Africa’s Birds of Prey One Flight Show at a Time

Oct 15, 2013 · by Nikela Volunteer/Guest blogger · In: Raptors, Safari Travels Tagged: birds of prey, Cassie Sonne, raptors, Shannon, Stories about the Projects

Falcons, owls, vultures and other raptors are at risk, however, Shannon a master falconer and Ben a world renowned rehabber make a big difference. On a beautiful day in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, Chicken swoops through the air, eliciting wondrous reactions from children and adults alike. Chicken (a Lanner Falcon) appears bold and fearless in the sky, although he still bears a nickname from the kind of noises he made in his childhood. Without the help of Shannon and her husband Ben, however, this beautiful Lanner Falcon would not be able to soar in the skies today. Chicken…