Ol Pejeta’s Anti – Poaching Unit received a major boost this month when the South African Women’s Association (SAWA) presented them with assorted security equipment. Items donated included tents, bed rolls, medical kits, solar panels, digital radio batteries, radio chargers and boots for the rhino patrolmen. The items, worth over Ksh. 1.8 million, were bought from proceeds of the SAWA Dream for Africa Ball that was held at Crowne Plaza, Nairobi in February 2016.

In a colourful ceremony at the Morani Information Center, the SAWA Executive Committee presented the items to Ol Pejeta’s CEO, Richard Vigne, and members of the Anti-Poaching Dog Unit.  After the presentation, SAWA delegation was given a demonstration by the dogs and their handlers, showing how effective dogs are in fighting wildlife crime. The ladies were also introduced to Sudan, the last remaining male northern white rhino, and Ringo, our 6 month old abandoned baby rhino, who stole hearts across the board.

Some of the assorted equipment donated to the Anti -Poaching Unit.

SAWA is a non-profit organisation of South African expatriate women who volunteer their time, energy and love in order to give back to communities of their host nation. In Kenya, SAWA, with the support of various donors, hold an annual gala dinner aimed at supporting social and environmental development initiatives. This year, Ol Pejeta was the sole recipient of the funds raised by the gala dinner.

We are grateful to SAWA for supporting our rhino conservation efforts on Ol Pejeta.