LIMPOPO – International volunteers who joined Animal Relief for Rural Communities (ARRC) and Phalaborwa Natural Heritage Foundation (PNHF) recently, say their time in South Africa and particularly in Phalaborwa was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

ARRC provides veterinary services to domestic animals in Selwane, while PNHF among other roles, specialises in removing snares in reserves along the Greater Kruger Park.

Bruce Berry (59) from England said that his experience volunteering at the two organisations was eye opening and rewarding.

He did not have an idea what poaching was before joining PNHF in snare removal initiatives.

“Interacting with the residents of Selwane, helping the dogs get the necessary treatment, and going on snare removal missions was fun. Finding my first snare was rewarding. To see the amount of work these two organisations are doing in these areas was amazing, they are really making a huge difference in the area,” he said.

Berry said the most rewarding part of his experience was rescuing a jackal from a snare in an urban area of Phalaborwa and also a giraffe on a game reserve.

He pledged to return next year or in two years’ time.

Linda Robinson (74) said her time in Phalaborwa was life changing and she is sorry she had not visited earlier in her life.

She said she enjoyed all of the activities, including interacting with pet owners in Selwane and going on snare removal campaigns.

“I don’t think people realise the amount of work these two organisations are doing, I believe that their work is really underrated. If you visit the animal shelters, you will understand why they are doing the work they do,” she said.

Robinson was also amazed at how rural residents without water and electricity manage to be happy and content with life.

Eugene Troskie from PNHF, said that most volunteers are usually shocked to realise how big some of the snares are.

“We enjoyed having them around and they were very hands on and helpful,” Troskie concluded.