Monitoring Elephants
At SCE our volunteers are lucky enough to go out with their co-ordinators and monitor elephants on Shamwari Game Reserve.
The herd is identified, their ear profiles updated, new calves are recorded and named, their feeding preference is noted and their herd/bull position are GPS logged for future mapping. All of this research is crucial for future decisions made by the Shamwari Conservation Experience team.
Game Capture: Buffalo
Shamwari Game Reserve has a special breeding area outside of the main reserve where we breed different game species. The purpose of this is to either replenish the populations on the main reserve or to sell at game auctions, which then raises money to make water hole repairs or mend roads.
The Shamwari Conservation Experience volunteers recently got involved with capturing a Buffalo to check for TB.
Community Work: Sinovuyo Day Care Centre
When we first found this centre in 2011, they had nothing. At the time the teachers were looking after 35 children between the ages of 1-3 years and the classroom was a dull shack with no playground. Since then, thanks to Shamwari Conservation Experience volunteers and donations, things have improved drastically! We built them a playground, painted their classroom, provided toys and books, and continue to support them with blankets and food. The numbers have now gone up to 65 children!
Our next aim is to start to teach them English.