Beach-goers on Wilderness and Herolds Bay beaches in the Western Cape were both surprised and intrigued to come across beautiful, life-sized sand sculptures of some of Africa’s Big 5, all done in magnificent detail.

George Herald reports that the sculptures of the white rhinoceros and elephant were done by Innocent Zungu last week. Originally from Hluhluwe in KZN, he is now based in Cape Town.

The artworks carry a strong conservation message, and Zungu says it is a calling from God to create awareness around poaching.

His sculptures are done in exchange for donations from the public, and Zungu’s goal is to use these funds for conservation and community upliftment projects he aims to run in his home province.

He travelled to Wilderness with a friend for the week and decided to use the opportunity to showcase his talents on our local beaches.

But his plans go beyond sand sculpting. Zungu told George Herald he is now planning an exciting new project that will focus on the importance of creating awareness around the need to save wild bees. He is looking to buy old pallets to make beehives, feeling a strong urge to alter perceptions around the bee.

“I want to create beehives and educate people on how to farm bees, and not to kill them. We all know that bees are so important to our lives.”

Zungu left a message for the people of the Garden Route on his Facebook page: “What a wonderful place, such an amazing experience being here, the beach is beautiful and it’s peaceful. Thank you all for your support and kindness, definitely I will make a turn next time.”

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