PUBLIC AWARENESS PROGRAM AT TRADE ROUTE MALL - 14-16 JUNE 2008

Honorary Rangers - Johannesburg South, held it's first public awareness campaign at Trade Route Mall from 14 to 16 June 2008. There was an overwhelming response from visitors young and old.

The display included displays of various animal skulls such as white rhino, hippo, buffalo, impala and lion. Visitors to the display got to touch and feel other smaller skulls and items such as crocodile, tortoise and vervet monkey. Two huge model Elephant tusks were very popular amongst visitors to the stand.

There was an array of animal skins displayed and colourful visual displays of a wide range of animals found in SANParks. There was an intriguing display of Kruger Park elephants, called ”The Magnificent Seven”. These were elephants recorded with the largest tusks. Visitors were made aware of the harm that poachers caused in the Parks with exhibits of some of the deadly and cruel trapping devices used by poachers.

Honorary rangers from the Lenasia area were assisted by experienced rangers from the Johannesburg region. Johannesburg South chairperson, Ashraf Sayed was pleased with the enthusiastic way in which everyone supported SANParks Public Education and Awareness Project (PEAP). He said "This is a first for our community and the response has been phenomenal. The outreach program will definitely benefit those interested in nature conservation" Johannesburg Region's Rob Beckwith was impressed by the interest shown by visitors to the stand who were interested in volunteering for conservation.

Various wildlife videos were screened throughout the weekend. A display of live snakes on Sunday afternoon drew huge crowds. Many showed a keen interest to the efforts of the Honorary Rangers, some donating funds towards the cause and some showing interest in joining up as an Honorary Ranger.

The Honorary Rangers Johannesburg South Region is planning other similar outreach programs for the Johannesburg South area and is hoping to grow its membership base and provide assistance to SANParks.


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