Lions, monkeys and rhinos race for vultures
Supporters were entertained by characters like Lubricated Leopard, Nellie the Ellie, Chunky Monkey, Louis Lion and Go-getter-Raff among many others.
People for Wildlife hosted yet another successful animal derby for the year to raise funds for the rehabilitation of injured and poisoned vultures.
People for Wildlife is a section 21 non-profit membership-based organisation that was created as a result of the need for a truly membership-based organisation and the lack of cohesion in the South African conservation fraternity.
This evenet, which took place on the lovely evening of Saturday, 4 November, saw a great many supporters and sponsors coming together at Khosa Sports Club in support of the organisation’s conservation efforts.
During the derby, a total of five sponsored races was held. Before each race the animals were auctioned to the highest bidder by a well-known local auctioneer, Derek Nelson. Each time a purchased animal won, the owner received 50 per cent of the race value.
As part of the derby, a six lane ‘race track’ was laid out on the floor. Each lane had an animal and a starting block, followed by ten blocks and a finish block. Two dice were used – the first determining which lane will move, and the second how many blocks the jockey moves. The first jockey to step onto the finish block was declared the winner of the race.
Supporters were thoroughly entertained by characters such as Lubricated Leopard, Nellie the Ellie, Chunky Monkey, Louis Lion and Go-getter-Raff, among many others.
At the end of the day all the proceeds from the fundraiser were allocated to VulPro: The Vulture Conservation Programme in Hartbeespoort.
“The challenges that these majestic birds have to face to survive are enormous and that is why they are now critically endangered,” said Gerrie Schoeman, the Project Coordinator.
“VulPro rescues injured and poisoned vultures and rehabilitates them for release back into their natural habitat. These vultures are then monitored and tracked to secure their survival.”
At the end of the event, he expressed his gratitude towards each sponsor and supporter who attended the derby and made everything possible.
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