LIMPOPO – In a heartfelt ceremony at the year-end function of the Phalaborwa Natural Heritage Foundation (PNHF) on Saturday, November 16, volunteers were recognised for their exceptional dedication and contributions.

The event celebrated staff members and volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their roles, embodying the values and mission of the PNHF.

Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to Anneliese Trollip and Michelle O’Brien for their relentless efforts in removing snares and assisting with animal rescues.

Both volunteers have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation.

Anneliese Trollip expressed deep appreciation for the award, stating, “The award has great meaning for me, and I feel like I’m more than simply a number. PNHF genuinely appreciates its local volunteers. We are like a family.”

Trollip, who has been with PNHF for four years, has received an Appreciation Award for three consecutive years. This year alone, she participated in over 20 snare removal operations.
She balances her full-time job at the Palabora Mining Company (PMC) with her part-time volunteering at PNHF.

Her passion for wildlife is evident in her dedication. “I know that one snare means one animal safe tonight, I just push forward after I get one. Furthermore, in my opinion, one is only the tip of the iceberg. I aim to remove as many as I can at once,” she explained.

Trollip often shares pictures of the snares she removes and the animals she saves on social media, emphasising that this work represents the heritage and legacy they will leave for future generations.

Michelle O’Brien also expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I do not do sweeps for the glory but for the love I have for animals.”

Like Trollip, O’Brien has been with the PNHF for four years. “The more snares removed, the more lives will be saved,” she said.

O’Brien encouraged others to volunteer for snare sweeps, highlighting the benefits of fresh air, exercise, and being in nature while contributing to wildlife conservation. “It is a wonderful experience,” she concluded.

The ceremony was a testament to the dedication of PNHF volunteers, who tirelessly work to protect and preserve wildlife, often under challenging conditions. Their efforts are not only vital for the immediate safety of animals but also for the long-term health of the ecosystem.