SPRING 2014: ISSUE 44
Wildlife MAT TERS
Celebrating 30 years of wildlife conservation
Wildlife Artist of the Year 2014 June 2-7 With exhibition and sales by David Shepherd and special guest artists PLUS celebrity tigers
Fulfilling the Art of Conservation
The magazine of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation - saving endangered mammals in the wild www.davidshepherd.org
Welcome to
WHO’S WHO Founder/President:
David Shepherd CBE FRSA
Honorary Vice Presidents:
Mark Carwardine, David Gower OBE, Gary Lineker OBE, Simon King OBE, Mandy Shepherd Trustees:
Nigel Colne CBE, Christopher Cowdray, Nigel Keen, Bruce Norris, Andre Pienaar, Richard Powles, Avril Shepherd, Melanie Shepherd Trading Company Directors: Christopher Oliver, Bruce Norris, Mary Nugent Chief Executive: Sally Case Finance Director: Mary Nugent Head of Fundraising & Marketing:
Wildlife Matters
Anna Richardson
Individual Giving Manager: Erica Wark Head of Brand & Communications: Vicky Flynn Trading Manager: Lisa Langridge Gallery Assistant: Julia Lilley Trading Events: Kay Roudaut Administrator: Natalie Archer Education: Kim Hale Accounts Assistant: Marianne Watts Wildlife Artist of the Year: Nina Neve TigerTime: Vicky Flynn Conservation Advisor: Mark Carwardine Education Advisor: Andrew White DSWF Office, Gallery & Trading Company: Saba House 7 Kings Road Shalford Guildford, Surrey GU4 8JU Tel: 01483 272323 Email: dswf@davidshepherd.org Websites: davidshepherd.org & tigertime.info Charity No.1106893 Company No. 4918392 CAF ‘Give as you earn’ No. 001604. VAT Reg No. 414001815
Print: Kingsley Print Ltd Editorial & Design: Vicky Flynn, DSWF Cover Image: Courtesy of Mark Carwardine, DSWF conservation advisor, www.markcarwardine.com Art images from WAY2014: Michelle Hall, Anne Zamo, Sara Butt and Jaidev Soni Parsad
Keeping in touch: Help us cut costs Modern communication channels offer us a host of exciting and cost-effective ways to tell you about our work and help us give more to wildlife. DSWF’s monthly eNewsletter keeps you up-to-date with all our latest news, events and offers and we also provide Wildlife Matters in an online format. If you would like to receive either communication in this way please email your full details to dswf@davidshepherd.org so that we can switch you from printed to digital communications. Or call us on 01483 272323. You can also follow DSWF and TigerTime on Facebook, Tumblr and Twitter @theDSWF @theDSWFgallery @TigerTimeNow
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It’s hard to believe that what started as a venture in my kitchen 30 years ago has grown into such a fabulous charity. I am unapologetically proud of what my Foundation achieves and I hope very much that you are equally proud to be part of it. In the last 30 years we have faced some heartbreaking conservation challenges but also made great strides toward saving key wildlife populations throughout Africa and Asia. You can read more about the amazing things you’ve helped us achieve on pages 9-11. In fact, this edition of Wildlife Matters brings you right up to date with all aspects of our work from anti-poaching and conservation to undercover investigation and education. As hundreds of charities vie for attention, raising funds to support conservation is never easy. I am, however, convinced that our use of art is a wonderful and unique selling point. Nothing exemplifies this better than our Wildlife Artist of the Year competition. Now in its seventh year the competition engages such a broad spectrum of artistic talent that I can confidently say it is one of the best exhibitions and sales of wildlife art in the UK. This year it runs from June 2 to 7 at the Mall Galleries in London and brings together a wonderful melting pot of styles. While the Main Gallery will host the competition shortlist I am delighted to say that the gallery’s Threadneedle Space will showcase my Archive Collection book and a selection of my original works - many of which I’ve not seen since they left my studio! With the North Gallery dedicated to some of our wonderful and loyal supporting artists and the return of the celebrity tiger art auction it promises to be a really wonderful week of wildlife art - full event information is on the back of the magazine. I hope to see you there.
the future guardians of our planet. Our Global Canvas Art & Poetry competition is a wonderful bringing together of young people, art and conservation and I was delighted to attend the exhibition and prize-giving at the Natural History Museum this spring. It is such an inspiring event! As always, in the judging of the competition, I was stunned by the quite extraordinary artistic talent coming from young people all over the world. Read more about it on page 6. Of course, it is our events that help us raise the all-important funding for our conservation work and in our 30th anniversary year we have some wonderful treats in store. I am particularly looking forward to our Wildlife Ball at the Dorchester in London on October 10th. The magnificent surroundings, food, drink and company make it a very special evening indeed. Do join me and some very special guests. I’m also looking forward to my trip to Guernsey in May and to the wide variety of exhibitions and events that the team have planned this year you can see them all on the website at www.davidshepherd.org Thank you again to everyone; our dedicated supporters and marvellous donors, who have been on this incredible journey with me over the last thirty years, it has been truly amazing. I hope, for the sake of the animals that we protect, that you will continue to support our work for years to come. Please help us celebrate our achievements of the last 30 years and ensure that we are prepared for challenges ahead by supporting my Anniversary Appeal - see page 11 for details.
Art also plays an important role in engaging the younger generation; a generation so important to species survival, one that must be nurtured as
100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted
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Inside this issue...
HRH the Prince of Wales welcomed the delegates, telling them that this gathering was “unbelievably important” and they had been brought together to find tangible ways to combat the recent explosion in wildlife crime. He highlighted the fact that not only is the illegal trade in wildlife a serious crime that is decimating critically endangered species, but it is also a “pervasive instrument in destabilizing economic and political security”.
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CONTENTS p.5 Celebrity support for TigerTime goes from strength to strength p.8 Hoping that 2014 will be the year of the painted dog p.9 We celebrate 30 years of wildlife conservation p.14 Rhino poaching continues to rise in Africa and Assam p.18 Fabulous gifts, art and events at our DSWF Gallery, Shalford p.20 Looking forward to the 2014 Wildlife Artist of the Year event at the Mall Galleries this June
The anniversary raffle
Win an original work by David Shepherd
Don’t miss out on your chance to win some fabulous prizes in our Anniversary raffle. For just £1 you could be the proud owner of a David Shepherd original tiger sketch (pictured), enjoy a selection box of wonderful wines from Elephant Hill or tea for two at Coworth Park, one of the Dorchester Collection’s
CEO Sally Case 2014 started with the UK Government taking a leading role in tackling international wildlife crime. In February, Foreign Secretary William Hague welcomed representatives of 42 countries to The London Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade to discuss the tipping point that has now been reached for some of our most iconic species. Experts believe approximately 50,000 elephants were killed for their ivory in 2013. In that same year 1,004 rhino were killed for their horn in South Africa alone; an increase of over 7,000% in six years. Tragically, over 1,000 rangers have also lost their lives trying to protect these animals. There is no doubt that now is the time to act and it is very pleasing to see our own country taking the lead.
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Putting wildlife crime on the world agenda
luxury hotels. There’s also a fabulous rhino sculpture by Julie Wilson and a limited edition print from Emily Lamb. If you would like a book of tickets please call us on 01483 272323. The draw takes place in January 2015.
Leaders of those countries signed up to a key declaration calling for eradication of the markets for illegal wildlife products, strengthening law enforcement and encouraging sustainable economic development in key countries. Five elephant range countries signed up to a new “Elephant Protection Initiative” and urged other African elephant range states to join them. The tide is clearly turning against those engaged in making money from the illegal wildlife trade. But what we need to ensure is that meaningful action follows these strong words. If world leaders are serious about ending the illegal ivory trade, there must be an immediate, permanent and comprehensive ban on the trade in ivory. Ivory stockpiles must be put beyond economic use by everyone. A conference of major conservation charities ran alongside this meeting and important information was shared between us about best practice in park protection, community programmes and the investigation of transnational wildlife crime. I am very proud to say that DSWF has been fighting wildlife crime in this way for 30 years. We have only been able to do this with your incredible support and can only carry on doing it if you, our wonderful supporters, are with us all the way. Now is the moment to act and I know we can make a difference. We will not allow these animals to become extinct on our watch.
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Events
Visitors
An elephant at university
It is always a pleasure when project personnel come to visit. They bring with them such enthusiasm and knowledge from the field which in turn boosts our determination to help them.
David Shepherd joined speakers (l to r) Sally Case, Luke Gamble, Jo Hallett, Rachael Murton, Professor La Ragione, Dan Guerrera
Conservation and veterinary science came together at the University of Surrey for ‘Suni’s Story’ in March providing a fascinating insight into the life of one orphaned elephant and the extraordinary people who are supporting her ongoing fight for survival.
Brad Rutherford (above) with staff and volunteers and below Peter Blinston and Jealous Mpofu with CEO Sally Case
We also welcomed Peter Blinston and Jealous Mpofu from Painted Dog Conservation who shared their latest news from Zimbabwe. You can read more on page 8.
Suni, found alone and with debilitating axe wounds to her chin and spine after poachers attacked and killed her mother, showed so much fighting spirit that the vets and elephant orphanage staff that helped rescue her felt impelled to give her a chance. The talk at the University focussed on the incredible work of elephant orphanage manager, Rachael Murton, volunteer vet nurse, Jo Hallett and hoof specialist, Dan Guerrera and was hosted by TV vet Luke Gamble. “Suni’s survival is down to the enormous generosity and expertise of all who knew her story and came together to give her a chance at a better life,” said CEO Sally Case. “Our job now is to ensure a safe wild environment for her and her fellow orphans to return to. That is why we support not just the orphanage but community outreach and anti-poaching projects to improve education and safeguard Zambia’s wild spaces.” Thank you to the University of Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine for hosting and to DMS Veterinary for sponsoring the event.
When visits are more than fleeting we will always try to organise talks for supporters so do keep an eye on our website.
Money matters During the last year DSWF has funded conservation activities in Africa and Asia amounting to £482,000 and education activities of £100,000 bringing the total donated to conservation since 1984 to £6,735,000. Here is a brief synopsis of where the money you so generously give is being spent. ZAMBIA - £216,000 to Game Rangers International on anti-poaching operations, illegal trade investigations and a rescue, rehabilitation and release programme for orphaned baby elephants in the Kafue National Park and a nursery facility just outside Lusaka for tiny orphans. ZIMBABWE - £30,000 to the Painted Dog Conservation Project - funding anti-poaching operations, Children’s Bush Camp education activities and working with local communities to save wildlife.
David Shepherd with (l to r) Marcus Brigstocke, Joel Dommett, Zoe Lyons and Richard Herring at GLive
GLive Comedy for TigerTime DSWF and TigerTime’s first foray into comedy was a great success when Marcus Brigstocke led fellow comedians Joel Dommett, Zoe Lyons, Richard Herring and Simon Evans onto the GLive stage in Guildford. It was such a hit that we’re hoping to do it again this autumn. Keep your eye on the website davidshepherd. org and see more fabulous events on page 17.
In March, Brad Rutherford, Executive Director of the Snow Leopard Trust, gave staff and volunteers an update on the work we support in Mongolia and on the Declaration signed by all 12 snow leopard range countries which it is hoped will secure 20 key snow leopard landscapes by 2020. Most excitingly it is hoped that sales of snow leopard enterprise products that DSWF supports will hit a cumulative $1million this summer. See more on page 15.
NAMIBIA - £20,000 to Save The Rhino Trust funding anti-poaching, monitoring and research programmes in the Kunene Region. MONGOLIA - £18,500 to the Snow Leopard Trust for essential monitoring, research and community programmes. INDIA - £40,000 to support work in Assam protecting the Indian rhino, tiger and elephant populations. A further £10,500 was provided for undercover operations to expose and prevent illegal smuggling of wildlife products.
Also in India, £10,000 was granted for the Wildlife Trust of India’s Rapid Action Project reacting to emergency wildlife situations. RUSSIA - £34,000 to the Phoenix Fund to support the fight to save the last Amur tigers through anti-poaching and community education programmes. UGANDA - £20,000 to the Uganda Conservation Foundation for ranger stations and veterinary support to combat increased poaching in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks. THAILAND - £18,500 to support the work of the Freeland Foundation providing ranger training and community outreach in vital tiger habitat. WILDLIFE CRIME INVESTIGATION - £63,000 to support the work of the Environmental Investigation Agency, Freeland Foundation and environmental lawyer Dr Roz Reeve, all working on initiatives to combat the illegal trade in tiger parts, ivory and rhino horn by strengthening compliance and enforcement, using intelligence, undercover investigations and attendance and lobbying at CITES. CHINA & VIETNAM - £2,000 to Animals Asia Foundation’s Moon Bear Rescue Project. Thank you to everyone who helps make this amazing work possible.
4 100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted
News
ChupaChups
DSWF has teamed up with Perfetti Van Melle, the confectionery company behind ChupaChups and Mentos, and Discovery Enterprises International’s Animal Planet brand for a duty free outlet exclusive to help raise funds and awareness for the DSWF supported black rhino project in Namibia. Look out for the ChupaChups Animal Mega Chups and the Mentos Animal Money Box in duty free outlets this year. Have your photo taken with the display and send it to us for your chance to win a wonderful Inka the rhino adoption! For full T&Cs see the website www.davidshepherd.org
Charity of the Year DSWF is delighted to have been chosen by Guava International as their Charity of the Year. The Foundation is minutes from the Guava HQ and their Jaguar Land Rover Service Centre. Guava International manage the authorised Jaguar and Land Rover vehicle business through a dealer network spanning over 60 countries including Central Asia, Asia Pacific and Sub Saharan Africa, countries in which DSWF carry out many vital wildlife projects. Mark Tennant CEO of Guava explains: “We’re delighted to be working with the charity and raising funds for their vital projects. DSWF is a natural fit for Guava and we’re looking forward to the partnership and what we have planned for the year ahead.” For more on our corporate supporters please see page 16.
CEO Sally Case marks the new partnership with Mark Tennant, CEO of Guava and Rupert Lyons-Taylor COO of Guava
Celebrities reach 18.5 million in call for an end to the trade in tiger parts
Rock star, Slash, Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Fry, Naomie Harris and Deborah Meaden were among 25 celebrities who supported the call to ban the tiger trade in February
TigerTime celebrity supporters helped the campaign reach over 18.5 million twitter and Facebook followers on February 11th to call for a ban in the trade of tiger parts. The call came ahead of the London Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade hosted by the UK Government on February 13th to agree political commitments to tackle the illegal wildlife trade which is now worth £11.5 billion a year.
“It was amazing to see the response from people around the world through social media and provides another strong indicator that the campaign has real reach” says campaign manager, Vicky Flynn.
Sarah Jane Honeywell, Martin Freeman, Lynn Shepherd, Simon King, Lucy Pinder, Zoe Lyons, Peter Egan, Melanie C, Deborah Meaden, Slash, Sam Fox, Liz Bonnin, Theo Paphitis, Sick Of It All and Marcus Brigstocke.
Celebrities who took part: Ricky Gervais, Naomie Harris, Stephen Fry, Jane Fallon, Kirsty Gallacher, Darryn Lyons, Amanda Abbington, Wincey Willis, Brian Blessed, Sheridyn Fisher,
More information about the campaign can be found at: www.tigertime.info Sign up at: www.bantigertrade.com
Thank you to Medical-Artist.com
Timely event raises funds for wildlife
New vehicle for GRI’s education project Huge thanks to the Covey family for their generosity in helping to supply a new vehicle for the DSWF supported education project in Zambia. It means so much to the team and will help them take the conservation message to even more schools and villages.
Thank you to Medical-Artist.com and Innovation Visual for their continuing support of the Foundation through the 1% for the Planet initiative. Joanna Culley (pictured above with CEO Sally Case) visited our Gallery to present a £1,000 cheque. Find out more about the initiative at http://onepercentfortheplanet.org/
An innovative partnership between Gc Timepieces, artist Stella Mays (above) and DSWF raised significant funds for the Foundation at Baselworld, the leading event for the watch and jewellery industry this spring. For the full story see our website www.davidshepherd.org
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Above; David Shepherd and Steve Leonard with pupils from Milbourne Lodge who scooped an array of prizes in their first year of entering Left; watercolour tiger, winner of the 16 year old category by Sveta Vtyurina, Russia Far left; the cover of the online event magazine showing the work of joint overall winner Chan Avril Hau Chin aged 5 from Hong Kong
Global Canvas A celebration of young talent
March 13th was a stunning day in London as children, teachers, parents, grandparents and supporters gathered at the Natural History Museum for this year's Global Canvas Art & Poetry exhibition and prize-giving. "Inspirational" was the key word of the day with fabulous art and thought-provoking poetry on the theme 'It's Our World'. Above; joint overall winner Georgie O’Brien aged 12, from Ashdown House School, receives her prize from David Shepherd and Steve Leonard Below; her winning work
"Once again the younger generation have shown not only their amazing artistic talent but their ability to think deeply on the matters that impact on us all. I was more than inspired!" said David Shepherd who judges the art each year. David was joined at the event by vet and TV presenter, Steve Leonard who gave a colourful talk on the life of a vet and the many adventures of a TV presenter. He also inspired the young audience to choose conservation as a career saying: "Whether you want to be an engineer, a nurse, a journalist or a vet, conservation needs you and all the many skills that you can bring to help conserve the planet and its amazing wildlife.” You can see the winning work, read the winning poems and enjoy the event images in our online Global Canvas Event Magazine on our new look website www.davidshepherdeducation.org Next year’s theme is ‘We Can Heal our World’ - so get your thinking caps on! Information and more details will be available on the website soon.
Above; Iona Mandal aged 7, winner of the Under 8s poetry prize; Grace Short with her fabulous 3-D model; David receives a donation from the pupils of Ashdell Prep school
6 100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted
Thailand
CEO Sally Case reports back from her project audit trip with Freeland
Day 1
I met with Freeland’s elite team of international investigators. This highly experienced and skilled team travel between Africa, Thailand (the trafficking hub to the East) and Vietnam, linking intelligence and evidence together. By bringing together the authorities in these strategic wildlife trade countries, they are drawing the net in ever closer to the trafficking kingpin Keosavang, his syndicate and all those associated with him. With their determination, very soon one of the East’s biggest wildlife traffickers will be out of business for good.
I met with the chief ranger to discuss the villagers violent attack on the rangers. He looked worried and tired - it’s been one crisis after another during his first year in the job. He doesn’t know how to address the demand for rosewood with the resources he has. Fifty drunken villagers attacked eight rangers, they were out numbered and out gunned. When the poachers are in the forest they are taking any wildlife they come across, to eat and to sell as bush meat. This impacts dramatically on where the tigers can safely go and what they can eat.
Day 2
Day 4
I looked through camera trap pictures from the eastern forest complex. Very excitingly we spotted one beautiful female tigress with signs that she is feeding cubs. If she is we might expect to see them showing up on the camera traps in 3-6 months time. From the camera trap images triggered by both animals and humans, the Freeland team calculate there has been a 900% increase in poacher presence in this forest complex. A shocking rise in human activity in such a precious tiger habitat.
Day 3
In the field with the rangers we received news of a tiger attack on cattle for the first time in 20 years. There are pictures of the cattle and tiger pugmarks. DSWF-funded community staff will head over to the village to work with the villagers to ensure that there are no reprisal attacks on tigers. The chiefs were also called to an emergency meeting as yesterday one of the ranger sub stations was attacked by a group of villagers seeking less intervention on rosewood poaching incidents! This wood is going for $95,000 per cubic metre and poaching is up dramatically in the last year.
Camera traps provide an amazing snapshot into the life of the Thai forests - Sally Case with the team below
I was out with the Freeland team checking camera traps in the park. It's a beautiful tropical forest awash with wild orchids, huge butterflies and hornbills. The first camera, deep in the park, had been knocked to the foot of the tree. We loaded the SD card into the laptop to see who the culprit was and found a magnificent young male tusker caught in the act! There's also a poacher walking past - looks like a single local but no tigers on this one. We went deeper into the forest and reset a camera on a tree where the team have seen tigers before next to a rocky outcrop. They show me the photos of two tigers walking past this tree - pure magic! The challenges facing the tiger in the wild are complex, and the impact of man’s desire for luxury items such as rosewood on these beautiful spaces and the animals that depend on this habitat was painfully evident. In an area where the park rangers have been regularly overwhelmed by mounting pressures it was heartening to see DSWF funding supporting such a dedicated team working with park staff to boost their resources, training and above all their morale. It is extraordinary to think that with this vital help tigers are not just surviving, but breeding in this tropical haven just a few hours from a busy city.
How you can help Support our work in Thailand by donating to our education, anti-poaching and monitoring programmes - call us on 01483 272323 or online at www.davidshepherd.org
UPDATE: Closing in on a wildlife trafficking kingpin The nine year effort by Freeland - recently funded by DSWF - in supporting government investigators to bring down the Southeast Asia-based Xaysavang wildlife trafficking syndicate received a boost from the U.S. Government in November with Secretary of State John Kerry announcing a $1 million reward for information leading to the syndicate’s dismantlement. Following a joint exposé with the New York Times/International Herald Tribune in early March on one of Asia’s biggest wildlife trafficking networks, Freeland provided the U.S. State Department tip-offs it gathered since 2004 from numerous sources on the “kingpin”, Vixay Keosavang, as well as his black market connections through Asia and Africa. “The Xaysavang syndicate has been responsible for the slaughter and illegal trafficking of literally tons and tons of tigers, elephants, rhinos, snakes, turtles, pangolins and other wild creatures for at least nine to ten years that we know about,” says Freeland Director Steven Galster. “The network includes
corrupt officers and crooks from a variety of countries that have all benefited from this dirty business. We tried getting national and international agencies to do something about the syndicate until it was clear that the only recourse was public exposure. We are glad to see the United States Government step in and hope other governments will join the man hunt. “No one has touched Keosavang, his main partners in Vietnam, or other big shots yet,” Galster adds. “Meanwhile, we’ve noticed another group, possibly a parallel syndicate, stepping in to fill an emerging power vacuum.” Freeland will be travelling to Laos to present its findings to authorities, who until now have refused to acknowledge the presence of such a syndicate operating from their territory. Meetings are also being set up with relevant authorities in other countries.
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Zimbabwe
Anti-poaching and community outreach to save the painted dog The Year of the Goat by Peter Blinston
The Makwandara goat remains the high point of the year though. This was the first recorded incident in more than 20 years of painted dogs killing livestock in our area. I feared the worst and was astonished and delighted when I was informed that the villager who lost the goat had nothing but praise and appreciation for PDC. He considered the loss of one goat to be nothing compared to the benefits delivered to his community at large by PDC. This is the sort of behavioural change needed to ensure a future for the painted dogs.
News: IFAW partnership
2013 was arguably the best year we have had in a long while in terms of dog news, with three packs having pups in the main camp area
Photo courtesy of Will Burrard-Lucas/PDC
I think I will refer to 2013 as the “year of the goat”. The life of one goat, sadly killed by a small pack of two painted dogs near the village of Makwandara, became a tipping point for Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) in 2013. As an organisation PDC has evolved beyond all recognition from its origin. DSWF has been at the forefront of support as a series of programmes have been designed and developed over time to address the complexity of factors impacting the painted dogs, their prey and their habitat. It’s a constant cycle of design, implementation, development and redesign. Adapt and survive is the name of the game for PDC as much as it is for the wildlife!
(two additional packs had pups but they did not survive) and a new pack of seven dogs taking up residence (hopefully permanently) in the area. The packs in the western region of Hwange National Park (HNP) seem to be doing reasonably well and even as I write we are getting reports of regular sightings of dogs in and around the Zambezi National Park. While average pack sizes in HNP remain a concern, Mana Pools continues to be one of the best places in the world to see painted dogs, with
Namibia
large packs of 20+ ensuring plenty of action. If 2013 was the year of the goat, I hope that with your continued help we can make 2014 the year of the painted dog.
How you can help
Help us save the painted dog - Africa’s most endangered carnivore: £25 buys field kit for the antipoaching unit £150 buys a protective, anti-snare collar that helps to track and protect the dogs. Donate online at www.davidshepherd.org or call us on 01483 272323
Monitoring and protection for the rare desert rhino rhino security-related matters is critical for the survival of the species.
Photos courtesy of SRT and Brent Stirton
“Drought too has had a negative impact on the rhino population,” says Simson Uri-Khob, Managing Director of Save the Rhino Trust. “And in the period since November 2013 no new births were recorded, mainly due to the devastating drought that marred the mating season.” The increasing trend of poaching in Namibia is a serious concern to the DSWF-funded SRT team who work tirelessly to protect the last truly wild black rhino population in the world. Add to this threat from criminal poaching syndicates the pressure from mining activity and unregulated self-drive tourism and you realise that now, more than ever, SRT’s field patrolling and monitoring work, their constant presence on the ground, as well as their involvement in
the Kunene and Erongo regions to act as a deterrent against poaching and other illegal activities. With DSWF’s support the team will continue to protect this precious population of rhino from the growing threats that surround them. You can help by donating online at davidshepherd.org or by calling 01483 272323
But the rains have brought some relief and while the team recorded one poaching incident there have been no natural mortalities. “The rain also helped the field staff with monitoring as rhinos gathered around waterholes rather than spreading far and wide in search of water,” adds Lesley Karutjaiva, the newly appointed Director of Field Operations. The key now is to maintain a consistent ground patrolling presence for black rhino across
8 100% of all donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full with no costs deducted
Celebrating 30 years of wildlife conservation
What started in the kitchen of his Surrey home in 1984 with a few family, friends and volunteers has grown into a passionate wildlife charity that continues to pack a punch.
With its roots very much in anti-poaching and park protection - areas that have traditionally been hard to fund but are vital in today’s war on wildlife crime - the Foundation has notched up some impressive successes. “We are the sole NGO funder of an ambitious and dangerous undercover operation to find and convict one of the world’s most notorious illegal wildlife traffickers,” explains CEO Sally Case. “With his deputy behind bars the investigation to find the kingpin and to dismantle his syndicate continues. That the US Government has put a $1million price tag on his head highlights the worldwide significance of this work.” With wildlife crime now worth an estimated £11.5 billion a year the fight to close down trafficking networks has to be seen as a priority. “Old traditions and new money in the Far East are driving a rapacious demand for wildlife products,” explains Sally. “In 2013 over 1,000 rhino were killed for their horn in South Africa
alone and we continue to lose an elephant every 15 minutes to ivory poachers. The world seems to be waking up to this crisis and that is extremely positive but our job is to maintain the interest, maintain the passion and maintain the funding long after the world’s media has turned its lens away from the global forums led by heads of state.” Passion is something that is never in short supply at DSWF. Founded by the wildlife artist turned conservationist David Shepherd CBE (the CBE awarded in 2009 for his services to wildlife conservation) at 83 he is still very much leading the fight to save the animals that he loves.
Since 1984 “I launched the Foundation in 1984 to help give something back to the animals that helped give me so much success as an artist,” says David. “We have fought hard, often against the odds, and won some serious conservation battles including saving the Amur tiger from
certain extinction when numbers dropped to about 100 in the 1990s. Today there is a stable population of around 450 but we have to keep fighting to protect them and their habitat.” As well as regular anti-poaching patrols to keep this precious population safe DSWF also responds to emergency situations and during the winter of 2013/14 provided funding to ensure the survival of the Amur tigers favourite food, the wild boar. “The worst floods in 50 years had led to a shortage of acorns and cedar nuts in the Anyuisky National Park, so our funding provided additional fodder for the big cats favourite food – the wild boar – which would otherwise have struggled to survive,” explains David. “Keeping the boar alive and well during the winter means that populations will have a good breeding season which in turn creates more food for the tiger in the winters to come.” An ambassador for all wildlife, for many David Shepherd remains synonymous with elephants. “I love elephants, they are the most amazing,
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sentient creatures and to see their numbers being decimated by poachers simply breaks my heart. I will never forget weeping tears of despair after seeing an elephant hobbling along on three feet, having been caught in a snare,” he says.
The Ivory Issue A long-time supporter of conservation in Zambia, the Foundation established the first elephant orphanage in the country to help rescue, rehabilitate and return to the wild the victims of the illegal ivory trade. Most recently featured on the ITV1 series, Paul O’Grady’s Animal Orphans, the orphanage symbolises both hope for the future of the orphaned elephants but also a growing problem. “As long as there is a demand for ivory there will be poachers and, as a result, the need to run projects like the elephant orphanage,” explains
Sally Case. “But the orphanage does not exist in isolation. It is part of a larger project that includes education, community outreach and park protection programmes that help raise awareness of the issues, provide alternative livelihoods and ensure that wild habitats are safe for the animals to be released back into. “Conservation is never as simple as keeping animals alive. It’s about working with the communities that share an animal’s landscape to ensure as harmonious and as sustainable a future for everyone involved. And that is what is at the heart of all the projects that DSWF funds.” It isn’t always easy for those living outside the range states of wild animals to relate to their struggle for survival. “What’s important to realise is that the loss of these apex animals is critical to the health of the
whole planet,” says David. “Elephants are known as the architects of the landscape and tigers, and other top carnivores, play a crucial role in maintaining a perfect balance of the animals and landscapes they inhabit. What we also need to understand is that man is responsible for the current crisis and that it is man who must act now to reverse it.”
TigerTime campaign With a strong and loyal supporter base DSWF is keen to expand its message and to increase funding for vital conservation projects around the world. One way that the Foundation is doing this is through TigerTime, a campaign to save the tiger in the wild that was launched on David’s 80th birthday in 2011 and now has a huge global following through social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Add to this success a host of tiger loving celebrity supporters like Ricky Gervais, Stephen Fry,
Photo credits: From top left - Aaranyak, PDC, Michael Vickers tigersintheforest.co.uk, Jo Hallett, Aaranyak, Mark Carwardine, DSWF, Snow Leopard Trust, Sim Davies
KEY DATES
Africa forming the catalyst for a successful breeding programme.
1984
1992
The journey begins in David’s kitchen. Funding starts for conservation in Zambia.
1989
The CITES ivory ban comes into being.
1990
DSWF begins support of South African Rhino project and tigers in Ranthambore.
1992
DSWF helps Shibula, a female black rhino in a Portuguese Zoo, return to the wild in South
The illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth $3 billion.
1993
In four months 40-80 Amur tigers are poached – 15-30% of the entire population.
1994
DSWF supports projects in Assam, Namibia and the Russian Far East to protect tigers, elephants and black rhino.
1995
DSWF begins support of painted dogs in Zimbabwe.
1997
Funding begins for snow leopards and the first animal adoption is sold .
1998
Support begins for anti-poaching in Uganda and Amur tiger numbers approach 400 – up from 100 when DSWF began Operation Amba in the Russian Far East.
1999
DSWF supports conservation in Cambodia and the moon bear in China.
Joanna Lumley, Pamela Anderson, Naomie Harris, Sir Paul McCartney and Deborah Meaden (the list goes on and on!) and you have a campaign with some punch; a campaign that is striving to end the trade in tiger parts from all sources, both wild and captive, to save the tiger in the wild. “We’re very proud of what we achieve with such a small team,” says Sally Case. “Of course, it would be wonderful to have more staff but our aim is to ensure that 100 per cent of donations to specific projects goes in full, with no administration costs removed, to where it is needed most; to the front line of wildlife conservation.” The Foundation raises funds and awareness in a number of ways and, with an artist founder, there is still a strong connection with wildlife art.
The Art of Conservation Each year DSWF runs its Wildlife Artist of the Year competition generating hundreds of entries from around the world all vying for the £10,000 sponsored top prize and for a space at the exhibition at the prestigious Mall Galleries in London. In 2014, the exhibition runs from June 2-7 and will help generate thousands of pounds for conservation. “As humanitarian crises dominate the media, raising money for wildlife conservation becomes increasingly hard,” says Sally Case. “But we have always stuck to our mission – to save endangered wildlife and the habitats in which they live – and with your support and enough determination we will continue to do just that. We will continue to fund training and supplies for the rangers on the frontline of
conservation, to pay for undercover investigation work that leads to the dismantling of wildlife trafficking networks and we will continue to spread awareness to reduce demand and to rescue and release back into a safer wild space the unfortunate victims of wildlife crime.” “I am extraordinarily proud of my Foundation,” adds David. “I am proud of the staff and volunteers and most especially the wonderful supporters who make our work to save endangered wildlife possible. “In the next thirty years, wildlife will face continued threats from habitat loss, human population rises and poaching but we are determined to keep up the fight to save it. Without the elephant, tiger, rhino, snow leopard, painted dog ... the world will be a much poorer place.”
How you can help There are many ways that you can help support DSWF’s vital work: make a donation - become a member - adopt an endangered animal - take part in a challenge event - join us at our dinners, talks and exhibitions - buy art from our gallery either in store or online. Find out more throughout this edition of Wildlife Matters or go to
www.davidshepherd.org
2000
DSWF supported Asian Conservation Awareness Campaign, “When the buying stops, the killing can too” reaches over 40 million homes in Asia.
2001
Phoenix, the first orphaned elephant is rescued by DSWF in Zambia.
2003
The international children’s art competition Global Canvas is launched.
2004
DSWF hit £3 million funding of its projects.
2005
DSWF is voted by BBC poll as one of the most effective and popular wildlife charities in Britain.
2007
2011
TigerTime is launched and the first antipoaching dog squad funded in Assam.
2013
Wildlife Artist of the Year launches.
Operation Last Chance closes in on a wildlife trafficking kingpin.
2008
2014
DSWF establishes the first elephant orphanage in Zambia. David receives his CBE for services to conservation.
2010
DSWF starts funding tiger conservation in Thailand.
After 30 years of hard work the desert adapted black rhino numbers we support have increased five fold.
Anniversary Appeal Celebrate success, act for the future
We need passionate and committed people like you who share our vision to conserve endangered wildlife and its habitat. To continue making the impact that you have read about in this magazine, we rely on your help more than ever. Since 1984, through generous donations, DSWF has provided over £6 million to wildlife conservation projects that have:
DONAT davids E NOW! hephe rd.o 0 1483 2 r 72323 g
• Uncovered ivory cartels, seized ivory and arrested poachers • Set up Zambia’s first elephant orphanage project • Increased wild Amur tiger populations from 100 to over 400 • Funded the first anti-poaching dog squad in Assam • Funded Africa’s first cross-border wildlife smuggling task force • Launched TigerTime to save wild tigers and end the illegal trade Help us to build on our success and be part of a sustainable future for wildlife conservation. Donate now to safeguard endangered wildlife and its habitat for future generations
When you put this magazine down, please donate.
DSWF30
Join the herd and save the elephant One elephant is killed every 15 minutes for its ivory, fuelling an illegal trade that threatens to wipe out this iconic species. As part of our 30th Anniversary celebrations we are inviting you to join our DSWF30 Challenge to raise £30,000 in 300 days to help fund our vital elephant conservation projects. Why not have a go at organising your own event in your own community. Not only will you raise funds but you will also raise the profile of our work with elephants and the struggle they face. Organise a sponsored walk with some friends, run a cake sale at school, throw a party, arrange a fashion show, get your swimming club to do a sponsored 30 length relay ... whatever you choose, your event will make a huge difference.
“Fundraising for DSWF I felt that my efforts were really valued and that wildlife would benefit directly from my hard work” Andrew White - Cycle Zambia
Or maybe you’d prefer something of a personal challenge? Climb a mountain, ride a bike or run a marathon - the event for you might just be here:
Walk for Wildlife - Shalford Park, Guildford Sunday 11 May, starting at 9.30am
Snowdon Challenge
Weekends 21/2 June, 27/28 June, 20/21 Sept and 4/5 October
3 Peaks Challenge
Weekends 10/13 July, 24/26 September and 27/29 September
Ride London - Surrey 100
Sunday 10 August - sign up before 9 May
Wildwood Fore! Wildlife
Our inaugural golf tournament tees off on Friday 26 September at Wildwood Golf and Country Club in Alfold, Surrey just 8 miles from our office. We need 80 players so, if you’re a golfer and can gather a team, please get in touch as soon as possible. For more details on all these events or to get in touch to tell us about your own fundraising idea call Marianne on 01483 272323 or go online at
www.davidshepherd.org
12
100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted
30
Zambia
Raising awareness and funds for wildlife rescue, education and park protection Chodoba prepares for life in the wild
alone in South Luangwa National Park and has since been cared for by the dedicated team at the Kafue release facility. Now nearing maturity, his instincts to wander from his surrogate family are growing and he is spending more time away from his orphan siblings and socializing with wild elephants in Kafue National Park. "We expect the release process to happen gradually over a number of years," says Rachael Murton , EOP project manager. "Maturing elephants will leave the security and comfort of the orphanage in their early teens as they gain confidence and become large enough to defend themselves from predators."
At nine years old, Chodoba (which means ‘lost and found’ in the local language) is the oldest elephant cared for by the Game Rangers International (GRI) Elephant Orphanage Project in Zambia. In 2007 he was found weak and
In anticipation of his release, Chodoba has been fitted with a GPS tracking collar, which will enable the team to monitor his movements as he spends more time out of sight.
"He was back on his feet within 20 minutes. The collar didn’t seem to bother him and after a few explorations of the device with his trunk, he was avidly concentrating on filling his stomach once more!" says Rachael. This is a very exciting and encouraging development for the GRI Elephant Orphanage Project that was established by DSWF in close collaboration with the Zambian Wildlife Authority and IFAW, as it moves towards its first orphan release. "Having helped establish the project in Zambia, all DSWF staff and supporters are thrilled that Chodoba is now preparing for a life in the wild. This is what all the hard work has been for and we will be watching his next steps with great interest," says CEO Sally Case.
Simon King visits the elephant nursery We were thrilled that DSWF Honorary Vice President, Simon King OBE, was able to join us at the Elephant Orphanage Project in Zambia after filming the stunning BBC2 series ‘Countdown to the Rains’ in South Luangwa at the end of last year. “Visiting the Lilayi orphanage was a great opportunity to find out more about the project which brings together every element of what DSWF strives to do,” says Simon.
“Park protection, anti-poaching, education and awareness, community outreach and, because we no longer have a choice, rescue, rehabilitation and release back into the wild of the unfortunate victims of wildlife crime, in this case, orphaned elephants. It’s a great example of conservation in action and meeting the dedicated keepers and staff and groups of visiting children was a real privilege.” (Picture: Simon with the keepers and little Nkala)
Uganda
Anti-poaching and protection for wildlife and waterways From hundreds of poaching incidents a day to less than five For decades, the Delta Region of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda, bordered by the Victoria Nile on one side and Albert Nile on the other, well known for its swamps and rich in game, had been a hot spot for poachers disguised as fishermen. Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers were uncovering hundreds of snares every week on their foot patrols. But, without localised accommodation and water-based anti-poaching equipment, they could not tackle poachers or poaching easily or quickly. An urgent appeal to Uganda Conservation Foundation, supported by DSWF, brought immediate action. Within weeks, the Foundation had built a new 22-man ranger station right
on the delta, at Semanya. Now, with a team of rangers permanently stationed there with extra accommodation for mobile patrols, there has been a huge reduction in the number of snares collected from hundreds per week to less than five. In addition, daily demand of the UCF veterinary response unit has been reduced to only once a month. Thanks to DSWF, UCF was able to procure a 22ft Panga Boat and 40HP Yamaha engine. which will be based at Semanya and be operational between the UCF built units, Semanya and Paraa Ranger stations on the Nile. The new boat joins two others currently operating on the Nile and completes the creation of a fully equipped marine ranger station to protect the river and the delta, one of Africa’s finest tourism destination.
“This incredible reduction in snares and calls to the vet team is proof of just how important it is to have anti-poaching teams in the field,” says CEO Sally Case. “Thank you to everyone who has supported and continues to support this vital work in Uganda.”
The UCF Marine Rangers preparing for a patrol
Wildlife Matters Issue 44
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In the Bardhaman district of West Bengal, many know the story of Dulal and his adopted ‘son’ - a wolf called Bittu. When Dulal found Bittu, starving to death, little did he know that the pup would grow into a loyal friend. But, constant attacks on neighbours livestock left Dulal with no option but to release Bittu back to the wild; 18 months later Bittu was found thriving where he belonged, in the jungle. Stories like this are rare in a country where wildlife and humans compete for space and resources. The wolves of West Bengal are no exception and a Rapid Action Project (RAP) by Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) in collaboration with Dr. Urmila Ganguli and funded by DSWF, revealed a sharp population decline as well as an increase of retaliatory killings. Further investigations showed that habitat degradation resulted in loss of territory, prey and water for the wolves leading them to set up their den sites near villages and prey on badly guarded livestock.
Photos courtesy of Aaranyak and WTI
“While the villagers don’t see wolves as natural adversaries, when they suffer an economic loss it creates animosity and that’s when retaliatory killings take place,” says WTI’s Amrit Menon. Creating awareness among the villagers that they can claim compensation for livestock loses and helping them to get involved in wolf conservation became the priority for the RAP and workshops ran in 72 villages led to a dramatic shift in attitudes. “Those who would have killed wolves are now planting trees with slogans saying ‘Save trees. Save forests. Save wolves’ and are keen to share their landscape with the wolves. With so much pressure on wild spaces it’s heartening to see people recognising the benefits of wildlife conservation,” says Amrit.
India
Community outreach helps increase harmony with India’s precious wildlife
Photo courtesy of Suzi Eszterhas.com
Wolves get new lease of life in West Bengal
As human-animal conflict intensifies across the Indian state of Assam the news of the birth of four tiger cubs has created great excitement in the tribal hamlet of Natundanga Gaon. “It’s a noticeably different kind of excitement with villagers now actively protecting the tiger family,” says Mangal Singh Teron, a resident who leads a youth group working for the conservation and protection of the park. The villagers enthusiasm for the tigers marks a huge shift in attitude from their traditional hunting roots. This change follows the launch in 2008 of the annual awareness programmes funded by DSWF and conducted by Aaranyak and the Assam Forest Department which includes the Nature Orientation Initiative for children. “We focus on encouraging an interest in conservation among young people and they share the message with friends and family. The shift in attitudes is proof that it’s really working,” says Md Arif Hussain, Project Officer with Aaranyak.
Despite having very little these villagers are now actively contributing to anti-poaching activities and the conservation of wildlife. "The villagers are ensuring the safety of the tiger cubs in the area. Such a gesture is rare especially as a number of villages around the park continue to protest about the declaration of Kaziranga as a Tiger Reserve," says Dr. M Firoz Ahmed, Conservation Biologist at Aaranyak. Poaching is a real issue in the area and it is wonderful to see real results coming from these DSWF supported outreach and education programmes. “Seeing the impact of our conservation outreach activities is hugely encouraging,” adds Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, Secretary General of Aaranyak. “Our long term-plan, supported by DSWF, to engage with villagers, share knowledge and create model livelihood programmes to encourage people and animals to live in harmony is really beginning to reap rewards.”
Assam: Countering the rise in Rhino poaching As the global demand for rhino horn soars, the impact on rhino populations in Assam has shown a steady increase. Twenty-nine one-horned rhinos were lost in and around Kaziranga in 2013. But, the work of the DSWF supported Wildlife Crime Monitoring Programme (WCMP) and Dog Squad is continuing to contain some of the impact. “During 2013, four poachers were killed and over 32 arrested including Bogeswar Doley who controlled 80 per cent of rhino poaching in eastern Kaziranga,” says Dr. Bibhab Talukdar. “The Dog Squad also assisted in the arrest of 14 suspects following poaching incidents and Jorba (the dog) is currently stationed in Pabitora following two rhino deaths in the sanctuary. To-date, no further poaching attempts have been made there.”
How you can help: Funding for a second dog is vital to the continued success
of our work to protect the rhino and tigers of Assam, as is continued support of the education awareness and Wildlife Crime Monitoring programmes. Please help if you can by donating either by phone on 01483 272323 or online at www.davidshepherd.org
14 100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted
Russia
Anti-poaching and educational awareness to protect the Amur tiger The emergency grant issued by DSWF before Christmas to ensure that rare Amur tigers were kept fed and away from conflict with humans in the Russian Far East this winter has been a great success. Made following the worst floods in 50 years and a shortage of acorns and cedar nuts in the Anyuisky National Park, the grant provided additional fodder for the big cats favourite food – the wild boar – which would otherwise have struggled to survive. Throughout November and December the park rangers established feeding stations for the wild boar which were kept stocked every day. With about 40 per cent of the local wild boar population living in the park it is vital that they are kept well fed. The extra food helped them survive the worst of the winter ensuring a strong breeding stock this spring to restore wild boar numbers, and tigers, in turn, will continue to have enough food too.
China & Vietnam Support continues to grow for campaign in China and Vietnam to End Bear Bile Farming
Mongolia
Enterprising ways to save the snow leopard
Photos courtesy of Animals Asia, SLT and Phoenix Fund
In March, Animals Asia’s Vietnam team rescued two more moon bears from Thanh Hoa province. The bears were confiscated in 2012 while being trafficked from Laos to Vietnam and the intention was to return them to the wild. But, because the male has cataracts, the decision was made to house them in Animals Asia’s Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre where they can be provided with on-going veterinary care. Animals Asia Vietnam Director ,Tuan Bendixsen said: “We look forward to giving these young bears the care they deserve and ensuring that they grow up in safe surroundings. They will never suffer the cruelty of a bear bile farm.” This move comes at a time when bear bile tourism to Vietnam hotspot Halong Bay is decreasing following Animals Asia’s appeal to Koreans not to sign up to tours that include farm visits. And, closer to home, thousands of students represented by 100 Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSAs) have thrown their weight behind the campaign to end bear bile farming in China by signing the Animals Asia pledge that decries the practice on the grounds of animal welfare which, it states, has no part in a “civilised Chinese society”. “We are so grateful for DSWF’s continued support during these exciting and dramatic times,” says Animal Asia’s founder, Jill Robinson.
amount in a country where the average salary is £200 a month. “One of our goals for the year was to reinvigorate the SLE product line so we held a special Design Summit to develop new crafts and expand the product line. Sadly, herders from the province of Bayan Olgii were not able to attend due to an outbreak of hoof and mouth disease. The province was quarantined and all livestock products - including wool - had to be burned,“ says SLT’s Siri Okamoto. In the late 1990s, DSWF helped the Snow Leopard Trust (SLT) start a snow leopard conservation programme called Snow Leopard Enterprises (SLE). It is now one of SLT’s oldest ongoing programmes, and thanks to your support, it’s the largest grassroots snow leopard conservation programme in Mongolia. SLE is a handicrafts programme that helps rural communities turn their raw wool into fine crafts to sell worldwide. The extra income a herder earns is an important supplement and can offset the economic losses they face due to snow leopard attacks on livestock. In this way, the programme builds tolerance for predators. In return for the economic boost, herders sign Conservation Contracts agreeing not to harm snow leopards or their key prey. SLE monitors these contracts and at the end of the year provides bonuses for 100% compliance. In 2013 herder women from across 26 communities made over 34,000 handicrafts and SLE was able to help families earn, on average, around £58 in extra income. A significant
Thanks to the support of DSWF, the team were able to deliver a special five day training course to the herders of Bayan Olgii. Fifteen community representatives attended and now the women are ready to help with the launch of SLE’s new products. Even better news: DSWF is one of the programme’s newest retail outlets. The beautiful crafts of Mongolian herders can now be purchased in the DSWF Gallery in Shalford in support of snow leopard conservation. If all goes well, the programme will also hit US$1million in cumulative sales this summer. See more great gifts and art that supports wildlife on pages 18-19.
Wildlife Matters Issue 44
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Thank you
To all the amazing people who raise awareness and funds for wildlife
We simply couldn’t do what we do without you. Every individual supporter, fundraiser, celebrity and corporate donor helps form the lifeblood of the Foundation. Without you we could not raise awareness of the issues facing endangered wildlife nor could we fund the amazing projects that are making a real difference to wildlife survival. So thank you to everyone including these corporate supporters: African Chef Andrew Winch Designs Animal Planet Animal Friends Insurance Barlow Robbins LLP Bestinvest Mark Blundell Promotions Ltd Bright Wave Insurance Chupa Chups S.A.U Currency UK Ltd Diva Management DMS veterinary supplies Dorchester Collection Duroc Media Consultants Elephant Hill Holdings Ltd Ele’s Tyres and Servicing FLOAT Fractech Laboratories G3 Gateway Publishing Ltd Guava International Gc Timepieces Havelock Bay Innovation Visual Kendall Cars Ltd Kingsley Print Ltd LOUDelephant Marks & Spencer Medical-Artist.com Mindworks Panthera Stone Powertraveller Prestige Promotions Result Clothing Sequel Silversurfers.com Vodafone VFS International Worldwide Experience
Mouse takes on a challenge for tigers Huge thanks and lots of admiration from the TigerTime team to Ailsa Ross (aka Mouse) who ran the Inverness Half Marathon on 9 March to raise funds to save the tiger. She made a great time of 2:17:44 and passed her fundraising target too! Thank you also to everyone on twitter and facebook who supported Ailsa. TigerTime and DSWF have places in the London Marathon (2015) and the RideLondon Surrey100 cycle challenge (2014 - application closes on May 9th) so, if there are any other runners or cyclists who'd like to raise money for endangered wildlife give us a call on +44 (0)1483 272323.
Sally and Carrie raise over £1.8K
We’re delighted to report that CEO Sally Case survived the Richmond Half Marathon in March and, with Foundation supporter Carrie Skillen, ran a great time of 2:19:00 to raise over £1,800 for the Foundation. It was a great effort from them both.
Join the RideLondon team for wildlife this summer DSWF has places in this year’s RideLondon Surrey100 cycle challenge on 10 August. Already in the saddle are Jason Coleclough (pictured) and Tom Rose but we still have spaces if you would like to cycle for wildlife this summer. Registration closes on 9 May so be quick and give Natalie a call on +44 (0)1483 272323.
London Marathon gaining fantastic support As Wildlife Matters went to press our amazing London Marathon team of Helena Thorp, Jason Millward, Gail Long and Philip Wheeler were pounding the city streets for endangered wildlife. This is such an important fundraiser for so many charities and we’d like to say a HUGE thank you to our team. Of special note is the letter of support received by Jason Millward from his local MP Andrew Jones. “It’s not everyday you get a hand written letter from the House of Commons saying what a fantastic and important cause you’re supporting,” says Jason who has already taken on a number of challenges for our TigerTime campaign too.
How your business can work with DSWF
We agree with Andrew Jones but we’d also like to say just how important our fundraisers are too. You’re brilliant!
The Foundation offers a number of ways for your company to get involved. From charity of the year partnerships and employee engagement to event sponsorship and client cultivation at some truly inspiring events there are a host of opportunities just waiting to be explored.
It is with great sadness that we announce the death in January of one of our loyal volunteers and supporters, John Harris.
For an initial discussion please call Anna Richardson at DSWF on: +44 (0) 1483 272323
Running for wildlife Helena Thorp (left) and Jason Millward (above)
A special thank you and farewell to John "John was a truly inspirational friend to wildlife and his incredible dedication as a volunteer and supporter of our work to save wildlife will always be appreciated deeply. He gave up so much of his time to help us and we will all miss him greatly," says DSWF Trustee, Melanie Shepherd. He leaves a wife Liz and two children, Kate and James.
16 100% of donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full, with no administration costs deducted
Events It’s a very special year for DSWF and to celebrate we have a host of fabulous events that we’d love to welcome you to. It culminates in our Wildlife Ball at the five star Dorchester Hotel, London on October 10. Details of the event are shown here so do book early and join us for the wildlife party of the year!
Wildlife Artist of the Year with the David Shepherd Archive and guest artists Mall Galleries - June 2-7
Art Exhibition London - November 2014
Exciting young artists Emily Lamb, David Filer and Simon Max Bannister come together for a London exhibition this winter with percentage of sales supporting DSWF’s work. Full event information to follow on our website.
Dinner and Exhibition at the Farmhouse Hotel, Guernsey May 22 -23 Line Of Defence by Karen Laurence Rowe
You’ll find full details of this amazing annual event on the back cover of this magazine. The 2014 Wildlife Artist of the Year shortlist is outstanding so don’t forget to put the date in your diary! If you’d like to meet up with David Shepherd and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Farmhouse Hotel on the island of Guernsey then here’s your chance. Thursday 22 May Free Exhibition: 10am - 4pm Winners of Children’s Art Competition will be on display Dinner with David Shepherd in support of Lord Taverner’s and DSWF
The Wildlife Ball The Dorchester Ballroom Friday October 10
Join us for the best wildlife party of the year at the Dorchester Hotel in London to celebrate 30 years of wildlife conservation. There’ll be champagne, delicious dinner, fine wines, entertainment, some very special guests and dancing ‘til late for those that want to put on their tiger feet!
Maasai Colours by Emily Lamb
Connecting the Dots Bel Air Hotel, Los Angeles December 7
‘Global instability - why wildlife crime is increasingly part of the problem’ an exclusive event for DSWF with retired United States General Stanley McChrystal and Lieutenant General Sir Graeme Lamb KBE, CMG, DSO. Full event information to follow on our website.
Dinner with auction and raffle from 7pm. Cost £45 per person. To book dinner tickets: Contact DSWF on 01483 272323. Friday 23 May Free Exhibition: 10am - 2pm Join DSWF as a member on either day and receive a free mounted David Shepherd colour open edition print ‘Black Prince’.
Tables of ten are £1,800. Individual tickets £200 or £180 for DSWF members. Be part of the wildlife party this October. Call 01483 272323 to book your place.
Adopt them save them
Inka: a new ambassador for black rhino
The DSWF adoption scheme welcomes a new ambassador for the black rhino this year. Inka, a young female living in Namibia, has successfully raised one calf (pictured with her right) and we’re hopeful for many more. To find out more about her and to adopt Inka or any of our fabulous adoption animals please see our website www.davidshepherd.org or call us on 01483 272323.
Exclu
sketc sive h with every adopt ion!
For just £32 you can adopt your favourite animal for a year providing much needed support to them and their cousins in the wild. Call today or order online at www.davidshepherd.org Wildlife Matters Issue 44
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Exhibitions at DSWF Gallery The gallery has a rolling calendar of exciting exhibitions by guest artists and photographers.
SHOPPING
Show your support for iconic endangered animals with these fantastic prints
Above l to r: Adriaan Van Heerden, Stephen Hornsby Smith, Natalie Mascall, Michael Hume
1-31 May
Adriaan Van Heerden - Visions of Wild Beauty A wonderful exhibition of African wildlife pictures by Surrey-based photographer Adriaan van Heerden focusing on subjects from Kenya and South Africa. Framed prints, canvases and mounted prints of various sizes will all be available.
Snow Leopard by Mandy Shepherd
I’m not coming Out by Julie Rhodes
Is it Beetle? by Emily Lamb
Touch of Tanzania by Natalie Mascall
Mounted print Image Size: 23cm x 13cm £20 plus £4.95 p&p to mainland UK
Limited edition canvas print 39cm x 27cm £50 plus £9.95 p&p to mainland UK
Mounted limited edition print Image size 43cm x 24cm £40 plus £7.50 p&p to mainland UK
Mounted limited edition print Image Size: 27cm x 36cm £75 plus £7.50 p&p to mainland UK
Meet Adriaan at the gallery on Wednesday 9 May from 6-9pm. Refreshments will be served. Places are limited so please call Lisa Langridge on 01483 443852 to reserve your place.
1-30 June
Michael Hume – The Journey Continues Browse and buy from Michael’s stunning collection of black and white wildlife photography.
1-31 July
Freedom to Roam, Oil and Acrylic paintings by Stephen Hornsby Smith.
Rhino by David Shepherd
1-31 August
Mounted print Image size 23cm x 25cm £20 plus £4.95 p&p to mainland UK
Wildlife Art by Stephen J Mallard
1-30 September
Lauren Dorman - with her interesting crops and unusual angles that reveal her subjects in an unexpected way, this promises to be a really exciting exhibition.
1-31 October
Felines around the World by Natalie Mascall - we look forward to welcoming popular artist Natalie Mascall to the DSWF Gallery for her exciting new exhibition. Although correct at time of going to press, the above exhibitions may be subject to change, so please do check our website for up to date information about gallery events. If you are interested in holding an exhibition at DSWF Gallery, please do email lisa.langridge@davidshepherd.org for more information.
TO PLACE AN ORDER CALL US ON 01483 443852 OR BUY ONLINE AT
www.davidshepherd.org
Pewter Animals our collection has grown!
We just love these pewter animals by sculptor Bruce Little. They make perfect gifts or why not treat yourself – all profits help to save wildlife. Mini £39 plus £2.95 p&p Midi £70 plus £2.95 p&p Other animals are available, please see www.davidshepherd.org
18 Don’t forget our online shop has a huge collection of David Shepherd prints and work by other artists, as well as all the latest offers, and gift
for wildlife
Art and gifts that give something back to the wildlife we love
1
Perfect for Spring!
2 Running Hares by Alison Ingram (1) Limited edition print Image size 35cm x 18cm £45 plus £4.95 p&p to mainland UK.
Little Peahen by Tanya Lock (2)
Mounted signed print - Image size 30cm x 42cm Supplied with matching individual greeting card and envelope £20 plus £4.95 p&p to mainland UK.
Perching (3)
Fantastic original painting, oil on raw linen. Size 112cm x 92cm £1,500 plus delivery and insurance. Please call Lisa Langridge on 01483 443852 for more details.
Crowned Cranes by Emily Lamb (4) 3
4
Mounted limited edition print Image size 41cm x 41cm £65 plus £9.95 p&p to mainland UK.
DSWF Gallery - more than art... If you are in the Guildford area visit the DSWF Gallery. We have a wonderful collection of wildlife art, including sculpture, prints and original pieces, together with greetings cards, scarves, jewellery, Kenyan beaded dog collars (right) and other unique gifts. And of course, we hold one of the largest collections of David Shepherd’s work.
Open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm Visit us at DSWF Gallery, 7 Kings Road, Shalford, Guildford, Surrey GU4 8JU or shop online at www.davidshepherd.org Fabulous animal print scarves in a variety of colours just £10
ts too. Visit us at www.davidshepherd.org
Kenyan beaded dog collars and leads from £25
Wildlife Matters Issue 44
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Wildlife Artist of the Year Mall Galleries, London SW1 June 2-7 DSWF is proud to host the seventh annual wildlife art exhibition and sale featuring:
Wildlife Artist of the Year & The David Shepherd Archive Collection and work by special guest artists Barry Sutton, Claire Harkess, Davina Bosanquet Radka Kirby, Stella Mays & Nichola Theakston
Private View Reception 5.30pm - 9pm Monday 2 June With special guests Invitation only - call DSWF on 01483 272323
Public Viewing and Sales
Tuesday 3 - Saturday 7 June 10am - 5pm (4pm Saturday) FREE entry
Free Painting Demonstrations
Image: Atsushi Harada - Serval2
Wednesday 4, 12-3pm with Hazel Soan & Saturday 7, 11-2pm with Jonathan Truss This exhibition is generously supported by Lead Sponsor Gc Timepieces Bestinvest, Mr and Mrs Covey Gary Hodges, Powertraveller, Carol Cordrey, The Oliver Foundation & SilverSurfers.com
ALL PROFIT FROM SALES WILL HELP TO SAVE WILDLIFE Mall Galleries The Mall, London SW1A 2BJ
More info at www.davidshepherd.org 20
100% of all donations marked for specific projects in the field go in full with no administration costs deducted