COVID-19 isn’t only impacting the lives of humans, it’s also putting some of Earth’s most endangered species at greater risk.
Rafiki, the 25 year old silverback, was killed by a poacher in early June.
The global shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic has temporarily eliminated tourism to Uganda. The anti-poaching units operated by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) depend on the incoming tourism dollars to fund their efforts to stop the killing of Uganda’s wildlife. Due to the decrease in funding, the UWA patrols are only operating at 60% of their normal capacity, resulting in increased opportunity for poachers.
Unfortunately this fear became a reality when we learned of an incident that occurred in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest during which a silverback lost his life at the hands of a poacher.
We were terribly saddened by this unnecessary loss of life so The KAI Foundation immediately decided to take action and we partnered with our friends at Care for Rangers & Africa Wild Explorations to help raise funds to support Uganda’s anti-poaching efforts.
Gorilla trekking is at the top of many people’s ‘bucket list’ so we decided to help one lucky winner realize that dream while also ensuring the mountain gorilla population is protected in the process.
The KAI Foundation raffled off two gorilla trekking permits for Bwindi National Park to get up close and personal with these incredible mammals and raised over $7,500 through this initiative.
On average, US$20 covers one ranger's salary and food rations for a day. These are the most pressing needs for the UWA anti-poaching units and all contributions will go towards these immediate needs to ensure the Ugandan wildlife is protected. Any additional funds raised will provide rangers with protective gear and first aid kits.
100% of all contributions went directly towards feeding and properly outfitting the rangers through our partners at Care for Rangers.
The winner was chosen via a random drawing on the 12th of July, 2020 - one month to the day of the announcement of Rafiki’s death. This was hosted on KAI’s Instagram Live feed and can be viewed by clicking below:
While the raffle is over the battle against poaching continues. If you’d like to learn more about Uganda’s wildlife, the anti-poaching effort or would like to help please don’t hesitate to contact us at foundation@kainyc.com or (800) 524-7979.
“When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate more on the preservation of the future.”