ABOUT US

Julie Anne Edwards The Founder

Julie Anne M Edwards born in (Rhodesia), now Zimbabwe, welcome you to a journey with The Hokoyo Wildlife Trust. In 1987/88, Julie Anne and a colleague Charlene Hewat , rode bicycles across Africa, from Glasgow, Scotland to Zimbabwe to help save the Black Rhino in the Zambezi Valley from severe poaching, raising more than one million dollars for Zimbabwe's Rhino Survival, "Operation Stronghold Campaign. In 1991 she rode on horseback thru the rugged Zambezi Valley from Kasane to Kariba following the course of the Zambezi river. To learn more go to www.julieannedwards.com

In the last 25 years Julie Anne has been witness to untold destruction of the rhino population and their numbers have continued to plummet. Now the situation facing the Black Rhino, an indigenous animal of Africa is seriously high risk of being extinct. Southern Africa is facing the final and last stand to save these animals. Zimbabwe has approx +/- 300 Black Rhino and Botswana approx. 8. South Africa faces a very serious threat, this year alone (2010) 180 rhinos have been killed. Poaching is decimating game areas throughout, once wildlife rich, Africa - putting in jeopardy many regions survival!

Julie Anne invites you to support the Hokoyo Wildlife Trust, an initiative of Plains of Africa Safaris. Our African heritage is threatened by human beings impacting negatively on the environment. Constant pressure for land, increased human populations, domestic livestock invasion and poaching, are continually threatening National Parks boundaries. The future lies in the hands of people that care enough to save the planets biodiversity and one way is through sustainable tourism development.

In this web site overview is briefly summarised a conservation objective which Hokoyo Wildlife Trust feels is of high importance. To assist in the protection of the southern sub species of Black Rhino working with African communities in a sustainable manner, who also experience the impacts of culutral and environmental degradation within their own areas. The Hokoyo Wildlife Trust's journey is one of enrichment and awareness to preserve Africa's wildlife and cultural heritage. Help protect these last remaining vestiges for future generations of the world.

In memory of George Adamson
George Adamson gave his life to helping lions. He was killed by poachers in Kora National Reserve in 1989. When George Adamson came to live in Kora in 1970, there were 150 Black Rhino. When Julie Anne Edwards visited George Adamson in 1988 there was not one Black Rhino remaining in Kora, they had all been poached.

(Excerpts from "Hokoyo Silent Spoors & Parting Blades", by Julie Anne M Edwards, published by Plains of Africa Safaris, 2009)

"At the time of my arrival in Kora, George was engaged in trying to save the Reserve from complete destruction. The poachers had moved in and were killing the game. George explained that when he first came to Kora 18 years ago there were 150 rhino, in 1988, there was not 1 left. The poachers had killed every one of them.

In my childhood, I was fascinated like most youngsters, by the work of the Adamson's who protected and released "Elsa the lion" back into the wild. An event made famous through Joy Adamson's book, 'Born Free'. I had also grown up in Rhodesia and introduced to wildlife by my parents who believed that animals should be free. My father did not approve of sport hunting or keeping animal in cages and was a keen wildlife enthusiast. There are those sceptics that believe rearing and releasing wild animals back into the bush is futile and therefore controversial. There are many opinions in this regard; however, those issues are not reflected here. The truth is, there was a man called George Adamson, who loved lions, and could communicate with them, and in his quiet ways, his efforts to help them, captured the world's attention, where he lived in the bush at his 'Kampi ya Simba' in Kora Reserve.

Perhaps it is this true freedom of spirit, and the wildness of the lions roar, that enters our innermost sanctums, urging 'all those who dare', to help, protect and save wildlife and their habitats from extinction. I hope that youngsters reading this story will also be inspired, and have compassion in their souls to help and continue with 'Bwana Simba's (Father of the Lions) legacy."

"Who will now care for the animals, for they cannot look after themselves? Are there young men and women who are willing to take on this charge? Who will raise their voices, when mine is carried away on the wind, to plead their case?"

George Adamson wrote in the final pages of Bwana Game published in 1968 by Collins & Harvill Press, London; 'Often I am asked why I have committed myself to the lions. There is no material gain for me in the project. The answer lies in my regard for these noble animals. I cannot bear to see these highly intelligent and sensitive creatures treated as so much merchandise, shipped here and there over the world, mothers parted from offspring, brothers from sisters, friend from friend, regardless of their feelings and happiness. For what? To, provide profit for dealers, and entertainment for humanity. They too are living beings with emotions akin to our own. If I can bring happiness and fulfillment for a span into the lives of a few, and perhaps set the pattern for future rehabilitations, it will have been worth while.

Lions in the wild lead hazardous lives, a false move or ill judgement in attack or defence may lead to serious injury or death from the horns and hooves of their prey, to the teeth and claws of their own kind. But it is their life, unchanged for millions of years before the ancestors of man learned to walk upright. This night I bring my story to an end. If it has the good fortune to interest any who may read it, they can rest assured that whatever accrues from this tale will go to aid my friends the lions.

According to 'Korokoro' the lion's roar when translated into English goes: WHO IS LORD OF THIS LAND?... Who is Lord of this land?... I Am!... I am!... I am!' (Source: George Adamson, 'Bwana Game' 1968)

George Adamson
1906-1989

Board of Trustees

Julie Anne M Edwards - Zimbabwe/South Africa
Founder/ Project Co Ordinator

Willie De Graaf - Botswana (Grasslands Safaris)
Willie is from old pioneering settler stock with roots in Ghanzi. A game & cattle rancher, he is a man of exceptional life experiences. Both him and his wife Annatjie with their children share a passion for the wildlife and ways of the Kalahari. In the old days Willie used to run cattle trails across the Central Kalahari before the advent of modernisation. Willie is a Businessman and Land Owner of Grasslands Safaris - Botswana and committed to helping breed rhino.

Alasdair J Munn - Zimbabwe/United Kingdom
Alasdair met Julie Anne Edwards at the beginning of his Publishing career at Munn Publishing in Harare, Zimbabwe in the early 1990's when Allan Munn was publishing Julies book 'Extinction is Forever'. Alasdair has over 15 years' experience in media, profile analysis, marketing and brand strategies. His experience lies in consumer marketing and social media strategy, audience profiling, manufacture, publishing, distribution and sales, with an emphasis on shifting cognizance, sustainable development and bringing new products to market. Alasdair's current interest is in bringing relevant technologies to work towards development objectives in Africa. He majored in Industrial Psychology and Industrial Sociology at Rhodes University, South Africa. Alasdair is currently a director of tcg: The Communication Group based out of San Francisco, New York and London. His heart is based in Southern Africa.

Marlie De Waal - Cape Town, South Africa
Marlie was born in Beaufort West growing up on a farm in the Fraserburg district of the Karoo. The eldest of 5 children she had a wonderful childhood which included, lots of friends. Primary school was at Fraserburg boarding school and every weekend returning home to the farm. Marlie then went on to Paarl Gymnasium situated in Paarl until matric and then finally completeing her studies at Stellenbosch University. She began work in the  Volkskas Bank (Absa) for years before becoming involved in the hospitality industry. Marlie has five children that bring her lots of joy! She met Julie Anne 7 years ago at Indaba when she was the General Manager (GM) of a hotel in Stellenbosch. Marlie is currently GM of a hotel in Camps Bay and loves the African bushvelt!

Maurice Taylor - Switzerland
Maurice Taylor is 48 years old and lives in Geneva, Switzerland. He has been an independent consultant in the field of International Trade for over 16 years. He is also currently on the Board of Directors of a number of privately owned Swiss companies. Maurice is a nature lover, a member of various conservation organizations in Switzerland and a frequent traveller to Sub-Saharan Africa since 2003 & with Plains of Africa Safaris since 2005. He met Julie Anne Edwards in Namibia in 2004 tracking the endangered desert black rhino and has been a close friend and an active supporter of her work ever since.

Julie E Hill -  South Africa
Born in England, Ashford Middlesex, Julie Hill came out to Africa when she was 2 years old  sailing to South Africa on the Sterling Castle, a ship from the Union Castle Lines. Her education began at Pinetown Convent and finally completing schooling at Westville High in Natal. Throughout these years Julie's studies included classical music in piano being accepted and enrolled at Trinity college in London, however making a career change to sport medicine instead. A keen sportswoman, with 16 years of Martial Arts and Karate, achieving 2nd Dan black belt and eventually undertaking studies in Pilates instruction. Julie has owned and run various sucessful businesses and currently contracted to an international freight company and co director of Plains of Africa Safaris. She is committed to ethical business practices, has a love of wild open places, and an inherent interest in saving the remaining vestiges for future generations. She also remains committed to health and training in sport.

Lesley D. Hand - California, USA
Lesley Hand is 60 years old and lives in Lafayette California. He is a recently retired Partner from KPMG LLP with over thirty-seven years of public and forensic accounting experience in numerous industries, including technology, software, manufacturing, consumer markets, non-profits, and government. Les is a certified public accountant in California, New York and Georgia. In addition he is a certified fraud examiner and AICPA certified in financial forensics. He is a frequent guest speaker on the topic of investigations, red flags, and corrective remedial actions. He has co-authored articles on the topic as well. Les is an avid traveler and is interested in protecting our environment and endangered species for future generations.

Eastland Collen - Florida, USA
Born in Bulawayo, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). Founded Eco Chemicals. A keen sportsman. Always been very conservation orientated and met Julie many years ago whilst working on an operation to combat Rhino poaching. Moved to Florida in May 2007 and now works for an Environmentally orientated business.

Neeltjie Bower (DeGraaf) - Botswana
Neeltjie comes from a family of 7 genertaion in Africa, her family were one of the arly settlers in Botswana in the area of Ghanzi, with even one of the streets in the villag eo Ghanzi named after her family. She is a Botswana Professional Guide - and one of few women who speaks fluent 'Naro' enabeling her to interpret to the visisting guest between the local Bushman dialect, English & Afrikaans. neeltjie is married with two children and her and her husband Tiaan are the Manager of Grasslands Bushman Lodge. Neeltjie family ranch is where the Black Rhino Sanctuary is being developed and her and her husband are the Managers of the project. Neeltjie shares Julie Anne's passion with her whole heart set on wildlife and conservation.

Jennifer Jane Ramella - South Africa
South Africa Jenny began her career with Gothic Design, Durban LTA Comiat Homes, and Low cost housing developments. From 1989 to current Jenny has been self employed and is the owner of Rodel Advertising. Her work business experience over the past 20 years has included a broad spectrum of artistic designer work, photographic co-ordination, reproduction of design material; Image special effects, printing, production and post production; Through her company Rodel Advertising Jenny has developed a wide spectrum of South Africa and international clientele, including USA, Italy, Germany, UK & Japan based companies. Links to Julie Anne - Jenny has designed and published a number of books including publishing layout and design for the cover and inside of "Hokoyo, Silents Spoors & Parting Blades", by Julie Anne Edwards. Through her relationship with Julie Anne, not only has she enjoyed being involved in understanding her life story, but also how it is established upon the foundation of a WILL and its purpose to save endangered animals. Jenny recognised Julie Anne as their voice, and as a result, is driven by the same passionate intent. Julie Anne, even though she may appear as a small voice in our world, she truly is a giant voice to the Rhino.

Lesley Hindson - South Africa

Graduated from the University of Natal in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economic History. Thereafter entered the Banking Field with Nedbank for 13 years. From there she moved to The Ewing Trust Company where the focus was on the Investment. In August 2005 she moved within the company to head up a new division, The Charitable Division, which focused on private trusts and public trusts involved in the non profit sector. This experience lead her to advising and assisting with the setting up of new trusts and working on their planning committees for specific projects. This inlcuded: Working with Dr Ian Player, Andrew Ewing, Andrew Venter and many other key players in the environmental field. Environmental and conservation trusts with which she has been associated are:
The Wilderness Leadership School; The Wilderness Foundation; The Magqubu Ntombela; Foundation; Wildlands Trust; Grassland Society of South Africa; Ishona Longa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Further interaction included many educational trusts and social and community trusts, as well as with AMAFA. Lesley has always been especially passionate about wildlife and conservation spending time bush, including involvement with the Game Capture Unit in the Kruger National Park.
 
 

Board of Advisors

Anna Merz - South Africa / Kenya
A leading world authority & champion for the endangered Black Rhino cause - Founder and Funder of the Lewa Downs Conservancy in Kenya. Author of several books, including "Rhino at the Brink of Extinction". In 1987, Anna communicated with Julie Anne and Charlene Hewat when they were on their UK to Zimbabwe Ride for Rhino cycle ride. Anna was in the throes of establishing the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary, it was on this journey that they visited the early years of this sanctuary project whilst cycling in Kenya.

Anthony Banister - South Africa
World renowned photographer and writer, publisher of many coffee table books in particular "The Bushman" published by Struik. Anthony carefully recorded in photographic detail the Bushmen's everyday life. Anthony's book will, in the future, become a unique reflection of who they once were in the Kalahari, before all the baleful changes of so-called civilization.

Mark Brightman - Zimbabwe
Advisor Rhino Management - more than 25 years experience in rhino management security support and Save the Rhino. Game Ranger in National Parks and managing "Operation Stronghold" for saving the rhino. His expertise is invaluable in the field of rhino translocation, reintroduction of the rhino including critical times of ground preparation, Boma's, staffing, capture support.

Peter Hitchins - South Africa
A practical hands on ex game ranger and field conservationist whose main interest has been on mainly Black Rhinoceroses for almost 50 years. Has published numerous scientific papers and assisted with the establishment of new rhinoceros populations in many parts of Africa. A practical hand on conservationist; Advisor to the Rhino Specialists Group and Rhino Projects for KZN Natal Parks Board has spend his life working actively in conservation.

Barney O'Hara - Botswana
Barney spent his young adult years doing National Army Service and then joined the Department of National Parks & Wildlife and from 1978 - 1987 he was Acting Warden Hwange National Park. 1991 - 1994, Chief Pilot for the International Rhino Foundation (H.O.T.) in Zimbabwe. 1996 - 1998, Sierra Academy (U.S.) Aircraft Engineer. 1999 - 2003 Chief Pilot Department of Wildlife & National Parks of Botswana and from 2003 - present is Managing Director - Wildlife Services Botswana. He has 7000 hrs of nearly all wildlife work through out Southern Africa. His Rhino operations Include : Operation Stronghold, Zimbabwe. Capture & translocation of more than 400 rhino's in de-horning and intensive protection zone operations, Zambezi Valley and through out Zimbabwe from 1986 onwards 2000 the re -introduction of white rhino into Botswana. He coordinated all the ground work in setting up the translocation and monitoring programmes as well as the anti poaching network / training. 2003 Namibian annual rhino management plan. Translocation and indentity programme 2005 / 06 North Luangwa black rhino project. Monitoring transmitter implants and other work. 2007 Malawi, Black rhino translocation from SA and Liwonde to Majete Game Reserve. Matobo translocation of white rhino. The Rescue of rhino's from Gorlays farm to Bubye Conservancy. 2008 Monitoring rhino's in Zimbabwe and Botswana, horn implants and ear notching exercises. 2009 Monitoring exercise years back.

Jake White - South Africa
Ex Springbok Rugby Coach - winning Gold at the World Cup. Currently leading his own rugby training camps throughout the world

Peter Morkel - South Africa
Qualified with a Bachelor in Veterinary Science (University of Pretoria, 1984). He is fluent in several languages including English, Afrikaans, Swahili, and some Zulu. Employment: State Veterinarian for Kavango and Caprivi in Namibia; Wildlife Vet for Namibian Capture Unit and Etosha National Park; Wildlife Vet - self employed and based in Namibia; General Manager for Game Capture and Veterinary Services, Southern Parks (South African Wildlife Vet for Specialist Game Services in South Africa; Project Manager, Frankfurt Zoological Society's Rhino Project, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania; Rhino Coordinator, Frankfurt Zoological Society; Since 1986 most of his time has been spent with the capture and translocation of African wildlife. He also have experience with other aspects of wildlife veterinary work including disease, epidemiology, medicine and surgery. For six years he managed Frankfurt Zoological Society's Rhino project at Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. He currently co-ordinates their rhino projects in Africa and does the veterinary work for other conservation organizations in Africa. Training Experience: He assisted with presenting wildlife capture training courses in numerous African countries and also Malaysia. Since 1992 has helped present each year the Course on the Physical and Chemical of Wildlife held by the Zimbabwe Veterinary Association. Publications: Author or co-author of 18 publications. Memberships include the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinarian on the African Rhino Specialist Group of the IUCN SSC. Associate Member of International Wildlife Veterinary Services and Director of Back to Africa.