Projects of GRNSRF

These are a few of our Life Skills projects. More are to come…

ecology 3

Wildlife Rehabilitation Conservation and Education

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Carbon Offsetting through Reforestation credits

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Research in Natural Sciences and Data Capturing

Reforestation

This project covers every aspect of a botanist’s world, but will also appeal to anyone with an interest in conservation and nature. Participate in activities from clearing alien vegetation, compost making, seed collection and germination to planting and the re-establishing of indigenous forests. Our aim is to not only plant trees, but to create a healthy sustainable bio-diverse environment.

This is very much an outdoors and physical project with enormous moral satisfaction. All work is scientifically coordinated with GPS locations of trees planted and companion /symbiotic relationships created where possible.

This project is linked to our Climate Change programme with The Green Ticket Nurseries.

Research

As our programmes are in the field, we are always looking out for the re-emergence of the Orchid “Disa Newdigateae” last seen and recorded in 1966 and prior to this drawn in 1935. This programme is seasonal between March and August.

Human-animal conflict is growing in neighbouring Botswana as numbers of animals increase, old fences not maintained, a growing human population combined with good rains and mid-year floodwaters above expectations over the past 2 years.

Drug-resistant pathogens and environmental pressures give rise to opportunistic outbreaks and veterinary knowledge in the middle of the Kalahari is very welcome. So whether you are a city Vet, geneticist, virologist or similar, wishing to experience the “beyond the comfort” barrier, drop us an enquiry we may have an experience for you.

Wildlife Rehabilitation

Tenikwa’s wildlife rehabilitation program grew from humble beginnings in 2002 when the founders started rehabilitating injured birds in a wooden shed behind their house. The wildlife rehabilitation work that is conducted at Tenikwa is primarily funded out of visitors to the Awareness Centre where Tenikwa offers various programs to the public to see non –releasable indigenous Wild cats of Southern Africa and other local wildlife often caught up in the human-wildlife conflict.

Through tourism and guests visiting Tenikwa, the Wildlife Rehabilitation facilities have evolved to its present state with a specialized wildlife hospital as well as several species-specific enclosures and rehabilitation areas. Today, Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre plays a prominent role in Wildlife Rehabilitation in the Western Cape, and one of the few in the world that admits both marine and terrestrial species, reflecting the biodiversity of The Garden Route.

Wildlife Rehabilitation

The wildlife hospital admits approximately 230 – 300 animals per year. These animals arrive at Tenikwa through the nature authorities managing the area, the general public and the community at large. No wild animal is turned away and no money is ever asked from anyone who brings an injured animal to Tenikwa for help. All cases are overseen by a specialist wildlife veterinarian, Dr Tindall from the Robberg Veterinary Clinic and the passionate staff at Tenikwa are trained to work with these sometimes dangerous wild animals affording them the maximum chance of full recovery and return to the wild.

After the initial stabilization and hospital admittance, the wildlife rehabilitation plan for each animal is finalised utilizing Tenkwa’s Release Protocols. Potential release sites are identified and agreed upon in conjunction with Nature Authorities taking into account where the animal was extracted, the circumstances which led to the event, the chance of survival post-release, and the impact of the release at the potential site.

The rehabilitation activities of Tenikwa are subject to strict Permit conditions issued by several governmental regulatory bodies such as The Department of Environment and CapeNature Conservation Services and Tenikwa abides by conditions of permit whereby animals under rehabilitation are not exhibited to the general public. The animals that guests see during guided tours are animals that are non-releasable and act as inspiration for their species in the wild.

Whilst day visitors and overnight guests visiting Tenikwa provide the bulk of funds to run the facility, the treatment, specialized care and complexity of successfully returning animals to the wild is a very expensive business. Tenikwa is a non-profit organization and all income derived is utilised to ensure the on-going sustainability of the facility. Public donations bequeath and sponsorships are gratefully accepted and responsibly utilized to achieve our conservation goal of ensuring that all wild animals admitted for rehabilitation have the maximum opportunity to return to the wild where they belong.