Each year, our Link to the Wild fundraising initiative raises essential funds to support wildlife conservation projects across the globe. Thanks to your generous support, we raised £24,300 in 2024 – almost £10,000 more than last year – which has now been disbursed to our chosen conservation projects. Here’s an update on how the funds will be used to make a real difference for wildlife:
Bulindi Chimpanzee Conservation and Community Project – £5,800
The funds will support chimpanzee monitoring and a school sponsorship programme in Uganda. This includes covering the salaries of the two Chimp Monitors, Tom and Johnmary, who follow the Bulindi chimpanzee group, and continuing support for local children whose families conserve forest areas crucial to the chimpanzees’ habitat. The initiative has helped reduce forest clearance and protect vital chimpanzee habitats.
VulPro – £5000
Our donation will support VulPro’s vulture rehabilitation programme, which rescues and treats injured birds, provides specialist care and feeding, and prepares them for release back into the wild when possible. These funds will also help maintain nesting sites and monitor wild populations, ensuring the long-term survival of these essential scavengers.
Black Mambas – £2,200
The Black Mambas are an all-female anti-poaching unit working tirelessly to protect wildlife in South Africa. The funds will help maintain their old Land Rover Defenders, which are critical for patrolling the vast landscape. These vehicles are almost 30 years old, and funds will be used to repair the suspension, drivetrain, and lubricants. This support will keep the Mambas moving, especially during night patrols, helping to ensure their vital work continues.
Barbary Macaque Awareness and Conservation – £2,200
This donation will fund a social media campaign in Morocco to reduce the demand for Barbary macaques as pets and photo props. The trade of these endangered macaques is a major threat to their population. With the support of our donation, the campaign will educate the local community, raising awareness about wildlife laws and the impact of the illegal pet trade.
The Corbett Foundation – £2,200
The funds will support habitat restoration and community engagement in the buffer zone of Kanha Tiger Reserve, India. The priority is the removal of Lantana camara, an invasive plant species that disrupts the natural habitat, reduces food sources and creates dangerous hideouts for large carnivores like tigers. The project will also provide employment opportunities for local communities and help reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Galapagos Conservation Trust – £2,500
Our donation will help protect Galapagos sea lions from the dangers of plastic pollution and fishing nets. The funds will go towards cleaning up critical sea lion habitats and supporting initiatives to keep fish aggregating devices (FADs) out of the Galapagos Marine Reserve. This effort will reduce the risk of entanglement and promote a cleaner, safer environment for marine life.
Namibian Lion Trust – £2,200
The funds will support the Namibian Lion Trust’s efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict and promote sustainable coexistence between farmers and lions. Specifically, the funds will help fund the lion collaring project, which involves tracking lions to understand their movements and avoid conflicts with farmers. This work is vital to ensure the long-term survival of lions in Namibia while helping local communities protect their livestock.
Feedback Madagascar – £2,200
The funds will support Feedback Madagascar, an organisation focused on tackling deforestation and illegal logging in Madagascar’s protected areas. The funds will be used to strengthen community-based conservation efforts, fund local forest rangers, and promote sustainable agriculture in vulnerable regions. By supporting Feedback Madagascar, we’re helping to protect the unique and endangered wildlife of Madagascar while improving livelihoods for local communities.
Together, We’re Making a Difference
Thanks to your generosity, we’re able to make a lasting impact on conservation efforts around the world. From helping to repair patrol vehicles in South Africa to tackling plastic pollution in the Galapagos, your support is directly contributing to a brighter future for wildlife.