Boots on the ground for wildlife
They were able to help with much-needed items for the team of Friends of Wildlife Management.
Officially launched in 2018 by Angie Willemse, the non-profit organisation Boots on the Ground supports wildlife and rangers across South Africa in a bid to stop poaching.
While rhinos are her passion, Boots on the Ground helps any species in need and currently has projects in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the Western Cape.
In our own province it supports Friends of Wildlife Management. “We have a hands-on approach, but also help with equipment,” she said. She explained that the organisation saves, rescues and relocates wildlife and dehorns rhinos in need of protection.
They were able to help with much-needed items for the team of Friends of Wildlife Management.
Another project that Boots on the Ground supports is Tracking & Conservation K9, located in the Waterberg, which trains sniffer and tracking dogs for the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands, Lewa Game Reserve and many others.
Boots on the Ground aims to complete the filming of its documentary by the end of February. “We want to join the fall and winter film festivals in Europe and the US,” said Willemse.
As for the future, the organisation plans to build its own anti-poaching training unit and help a small unit to establish itself to help rangers with recurrent training. “We would like to help a lot more with training, equipment and support.”
The organisation’s biggest need at the moment is to get a vehicle sponsored. Corporates and individuals can also assist with monetary donations; equipment, including bulletproof vests, webbing, boots, uniforms and kennels for the dogs; or sponsoring wildlife cameras for one of the reserves, dog and K9 handler training, a ranger’s salary for a year, and weapons instructor training.
For more information visit https://bootsonthegrounds.com or email bootsonthegroundnpc@gmail.com.
