Our Founder, Dr. Ian Player, the man who initiated and led Operation Rhino in the 1960′s (which reversed the decline of the white rhino), has recently been recognised as “Conservationist of the Year” by Namibian organisation the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF).

It was Player who introduced the concept of wilderness trails in South African game reserves and simultaneously founded the Wilderness Leadership School, a unique conservation education programme to develop young leaders. Absalom Shikwedha – The Namibian

Founder of the CCF, Dr. Laurie Marker sites Dr. Player as her earliest role model.

CCF works to:

• create and manage long-term conservation strategies for the cheetah throughout their range
• develop and implement better livestock management practices, eliminating the need for ranchers to kill so many cheetah
• conduct conservation education programs for local villagers, ranchers and school children
• continue intensive scientific research in cheetah genetics, biology and species survival

For further information on the CCF visit their website here.

Congratulations to Dr. Player on this well-deserved recognition of his tireless work for wilderness, wildlife and people.