Thompsons Africa has adopted Gertjie, aka ‘Little G’, a baby White rhino orphaned through poaching. Gertjie is cared for by Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) and Thompsons Africa has contributed towards his care by taking up a silver fostering contribution.
The funds donated by Thompsons Africa go towards Gertjie’s food and general upkeep, maintaining his living arrangements, medical expenses and the cost of his security.
Thompsons Africa also supports the Wildlands Conservation Trust as a Wildlands Rhino Ambassador.
The HESC carries out breeding and research of endangered species and provides a safe haven for orphaned and sick animals. Its cheetah breeding programme has resulted in the birth of more than 270 cheetahs and 20 rare King Cheetahs, with an average 25% released back into the wild. It is also home to the Vulture Restaurant, where hundreds of vultures can be seen feeding.
A visit to the Centre is a highlight on Thompsons Africa’s full-day ‘Endangered Wildlife Experience’ tour and includes rare sightings of wild dog and aardwolf. The tour also includes a visit to Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre, where techniques employed on injured, poisoned and abandoned animals and birds of prey are shared and an invitation is extended to visitors to handle some of the birds and animals.
