- Mazda donates BT-50 to the Honorary Rangers
- Honorary Rangers to use BT-50 in the campaign against Rhino poaching
- Sunset Serenade highlights the importance of Honorary Rangers efforts
The Mazda Wildlife Fund reaffirmed its commitment to wildlife conservation with the donation of a Mazda BT-50 3.2L 6MT High 4×4 to the Honorary Rangers at this year’s Sunset Serenade, which took place in the Kruger National Park from 09 – 12 May 2013.
The Honorary Rangers Organisation is a volunteer programme that aims to combat poaching in Southern Africa. The Mazda BT-50 will play an integral role in combating the continued threat to the Rhino population.
“We would like to thank Mazda for their generous donation,” said John Turner, Chairperson SANParks Honorary Rangers. “The vehicle will be used by our Ranger Section who are often deployed to flash points where there is little or no road infrastructure. The BT-50’s off road abilities will certainly be put to good use.”
The annual Sunset Serenade, which takes place every year at the Letaba Camp in the Kruger National Park is aimed at raising awareness of the important work done by the Honorary Rangers of the Counter Poaching and Ranger Support Services Unit of South African National Parks.
The Sunset Serenade has over the years become a regular event on Mazda’s calendar. The event aims to highlight the projects supported by the Mazda Wildlife Fund and gives attendees the opportunity to experience the beauty of South Africa’s precious natural heritage while simultaneously enjoying the melodic music of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Mazda Wildlife Fund has invested extensively in South African conservation initiatives for more than two decades. The funds raised have supported over 150 high priority projects across a multitude of endeavours in critical areas such as environmental education, conservation and research.
“The Mazda Wildlife Fund was established to support the conservation of South African endangered species and habitats,” said Jeff Nemeth, President and CEO of FMCSA. “We have become accustomed to hearing about the devastation of our Rhino population on what seems to be a daily basis. We trust that our donation will help the Honorary Rangers further their quest to stop the massacre and conserve many endangered species including the increasingly threatened Rhino population.”
For further information on the Mazda Wildlife Fund, please visit mazdawildlife.co.za
