Over and Above Africa’s mission is to protect and preserve endangered wildlife in Africa and the communities they impact. We do this through funding a host of projects for wildlife and those who protect them, the environment and the local communities. We have built school houses, water purification systems, educational trips to game reserves for children to connect with the wildlife they otherwise would never see. Paid for rhino de-hornings where children participate and learn why they are sadly necessary right now. We’ve funded cheetah, elephant and rhino relocations, stabling and housing for rescued wildlife, veterinary supplies and travel costs. We’ve planted 1 million avocado trees in a high poaching area for an impoverished community to create other sources of income and bartering. For more click here.
The list goes on! To this end, we also believe in lifting up other conservationists who we believe are doing outstanding and impactful work in the field for you to meet and support! We just launched our "Big 5 in Five" series to do just that.
We speak to some of our favourite wildlife champions and ask them “who they are, what they do, why they do it, where they do it and how we can help”.
SHANNON WILD
We have long admired Shannon Wild’s work in conservation through her beautiful photographic artistry and her beaded programs to name just a few! You can find Shannon on social media at @Shannon_Wild and ShannonWild.com
PIPPA HANKINSON
Meet Pippa Hankinson of the “Blood Lions” organization in Africa. Many people aren’t aware that lions are bred in some countries just so that “hunters” can come and shoot them for “sport”. It’s like shooting fish in a barrel - the lions don’t stand a chance. Pippa and her team have been trying to end this barbaric practice for years - here in her own words she shares her work with us.
Contact or support them: www.BloodLions.org
NICCI WRIGHT
Nicci is a wildlife expert but her specialty is in pangolins. She has treated, rehabilitated and released countless pangolins over the years and describes them in ways that make you want to meet one out in the world! Nicci is also the Co-Chair of the African Pangolin Working Group and Wildlife Project Manager for. Humane World for Animals.
KAREN ODENDAAL - MANYONI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Karen is the Managing Director of Manyoni Private Game Reserve in South Africa. At the time of filming her for Breaking Their Silence: Women on the Frontline of the Poaching War, no other woman held the same position at another game reserve anywhere in Africa. https://www.manyoni.co.za/