EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA (October 18, 2024) — The Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa (GH-CFA), a program under Global Humane, announced today that four local businesses, Commercial Diving Contractors, GV Donald, Webbing Products and DACHSER, have donated critical equipment needed to save elephant lives.
Southern Africa is in the grips of the worst drought in two decades, and the consequences for wildlife are becoming increasingly dire. The drought is severely impacting the five countries at the heart of the KAZA Transfrontier Conservation Area—Namibia, Botswana, Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This vast region, home to approximately 228,000 elephants, represents the last great elephant range on the continent.
In Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, the situation is especially critical. Each winter, elephants from across the KAZA region migrate to Hwange, where the park’s managed waterholes have traditionally been a lifeline during the annual dry seasons. Typically, around 40,000 elephants make this journey, but this year, due to the worsening drought, an unprecedented influx of over 55,000 elephants is expected. This places immense pressure on the park’s water resources, managed by Friends of Hwange Trust – GH-CFA’s Water for Wildlife program partners.
Among the most serious threats to these elephants are the treacherous ‘mud traps’ that form as waterholes shrink. Desperate to reach the last remaining pools of water, elephants venture into the thick, sticky mud, often becoming stuck. Unable to feed, drink, or free themselves, these majestic creatures face a slow and tragic death, unless rescued in time.
When the Water for Wildlife team learns of trapped elephants, they act swiftly – mobilizing day and night to extract them from the mud and save their lives. However, these rescues require heavy-duty equipment, which is often in short supply.
In a powerful demonstration of compassion, four Nelson Mandela Bay businesses stepped in to help. Commercial Diving Contractors donated two rolls of high-strength webbing with a 10-ton strain capacity, Webbing Products created custom-made elephant rescue slings, G.V. Donald donated heavy duty D-shackles and DACHSER South Africa sponsored the transportation of the rescue equipment. These generous contributions have made a critical difference, providing the robust tools needed to tackle the challenging task of pulling stranded elephants to safety.
Gareth De Ridder, General & Operations Manager at CDC said, “The CDC Team would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable work you do in the rescue for elephants through your Water for Wildlife program. Your dedication to these magnificent creatures is truly inspiring. We are proud to contribute to your efforts and are grateful to be part of such a meaningful cause. Thank you for all that you do to protect and support these animals.”
“DACHSER is proud to support this important initiative, providing transport for essential webbing that will aid in rescuing elephants in the Hwange National Park,” said Ruan du Toit, Branch manager for DACHSER South Africa. “Together as proudly Port Elizabeth based companies, we are making a difference – delivering hope through reliable logistics.”
“Thanks to the kindness and generosity of these businesses, lives are being saved,” said Taryn Gillson, Global Humane Regional Director – Africa. “On behalf of Friends of Hwange, and Global Humane, we express our deepest gratitude. Their support offers a beacon of hope amidst the challenges of this devastating drought, proving that, together, we can make a meaningful impact and protect the future of Hwange’s elephants.”
About the Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa:
The Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa (GH-CFA), an initiative under Global Humane, is deeply committed to the preservation and protection of Africa’s wildlife and wilderness areas. As the international brand of American Humane, the oldest national animal welfare organization in the United States, Global Humane’s mission resonates with a legacy of nearly 150 years of pioneering efforts. Based in South Africa, GH-CFA focuses on conserving, rewilding, and safeguarding Africa’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Through our strategic initiatives – Space for Species, Wildlife & Biodiversity, and Conservation for Communities – we strive to create safe habitats, enhance genetic diversity, and promote the interconnectedness of all species. For more information, please visit www.GlobalHumane.africa, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.
About Global Humane:
Global Humane is the international brand of American Humane, which is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and for 145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information or to support our lifesaving work, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.