The illicit wildlife trade industry has been around for generations and in that time many different responses have been tried and have failed.  Few have recognized that the phenomenon is a multigenerational one and requires a ‘grass roots, ground up’ approach.  We believe for any effort to be successful, it must be targeted at those who stands to lose the most…..the future generation…..’the kids’.  Central to our concept is establishing a poacher proof ethos and sense of ‘environmental patriotism.

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     To support the development of the new environmental ethos, Rhino Mercy and Transfrontier Africa agreed that we needed to directly target primary school age children which led to the formation of the Bush Babies Youth Environmental education program.  An educational officer was hired to rotate among schools on a weekly basis to teach an environmental curriculum and instill pro-environmental choice making among the youth and hopefully their families.  The Bush Babies currently serves 10 primary schools and over 1,300 children between the ages of six and 12.

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     At the end of the school year, we conduct a ‘bush camp’ for the top learners.  In 2022, 200 Bush Baby learners were provided a capstone experience in the bush for all their hard work during the year to become the next generation of wildlife ambassadors and caretakers! 

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     Please consider giving to our Bush Babies program by using the ‘Donate’ button to the left.  This program is completely dependent on private donations from individuals like yourself and we are truly making an impact.   Together we are saving their natural heritage and raising a new generation of concerned stewards of natural resources.

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