Giving Back
ZULULAND CONSERVATION TRUST
Who they are
The ZCT is a non-profit that conserves endangered species, whilst growing partnerships with communities neighbouring wildlife areas in Zululand.
The ZCT is very close to Amy's heart as her father, David Attenborough, was one of the founders in 2011. It is a mission the whole family share and are proud to be involved in. The ultimate dream of the Trust is to facilitate the joining of 400 000 hectares of contiguous bushveld under conservation across Zululand, Pongola, Swaziland and Mozambique. A portion of every guest's trip goes to funding the ZCT's projects.
THE STORY OF THE TRUST
The Zululand Conservation Trust was founded in 2011. It was a common dream of a number of devoted wildlife enthusiasts who realised the need to assist conservation and neighbouring communities. Amy's father was one of those founders.
Rhino Ride started. As we head towards this year's 13th event - the Rhino Ride has raised a total of R8,034,131 for conservation and community projects. The event is proudly sponsored by Investec and has become a much-anticipated event in the calendar.
The Rhino Orphanage was started. They saw the need to save every rhino orphan, be it a victim of poaching or of natural causes. In view of the current threat, every rhino’s life is important and the Zululand Rhino Orphanage fills that roll for KZN.
The first Temmincks pangolin was released onto Manyoni Private Game Reserve, after a long and intensive 'soft release' programme. This sees the pangolin back in Zululand after being regionally extinct for 70 years.
Wild Again for 19. Amy and her brother, Josh, lived for 19 unsupported nights in Manyoni. They walked over 400km to raise R750 000 for the ZCT during the Covid pandemic when the Trust was not receiving any funds from conservation levies.
The Rhino Run inaugural event was held with 106 runners. Over R150,000 was raised in the first event. With the onboarding of our new sponsor, Absa, this year we aim to make that R500 000 raised at the 2024 event.
Concluded a lease to incorporate a small tract of community land into the Manyoni Private Game reserve. Whilst small in hectarage at 500 hectares, it was an important step for community and conservation. The community are benefiting financially alongside an expansion of land under conservation.
The Projects
They take in and rehabilitate rhino calves orphaned as a result of poaching. These rhinos are cared for around the clock until they are able to fend for themselves. At this point they are released back into the wild.
After 70 years of local extinction, the Temmincks Pangolin is roaming Zululand again. Together with the African Pangolin Working Group and Johannesburg Wildlife Vet, the ZCT helps to re-home pangolins that have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.
A dedicated anti-poaching unit (APU) and the use of highly-trained dogs for detection, tracking and apprehension have proven to be a formidable force in combatting wildlife crime. They aim to minimise threats to conservation and ensure fast reaction times and appropriate responses.
This camp is set up three weeks prior to the matriculants' final exams. With a safe and quiet space to study, extra lessons and three meals a day, these students are given the best chance of passing. In 2017 the pass rate at Mandlakazi was 23,17%, and in two short years was improved to 67.2%!
Following on from the success of the Rhino Ride over the last 14 years, Amy and her brother's, Tom and Josh, drove the addition of the Rhino Run to the calendar in 2024. The team managed to sell 120 entries and raise over R150 000 at the first event. Absa has since signed on as the official sponsor for the next 3 years, donating R1 million a year to the Trust. The aim is to be the stand-out trail running event in the country.
Where your money goes
A snapshot of some of the triumphs of the Trust over the years.
The ZCT offers continued support to 150 children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years at their four crèches.
Over the last 14 years, R8,034,131 has been raised at the Rhino Ride for conservation and community projects.
What's more is that from the pangolins released onto Manyoni, 5 pangolin pups have been born in the wild.
With the general rhino population is under such intensive threat, this figure is a huge success.
8 rhinos and 2 hippos have been successfully released back into the wild from the Rhino Orphanage.
A big step forward in building the strength of the ZCT-community relationship that benefits land, people and wildlife.
Get involved
Become a rhino warrior, get involved in community upliftment, volunteer on Manyoni Private Game Reserve or share your ideas with us.
Everything is made possible through your generous donations and participation in ZCT events.
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