WHY WE DO,
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WHAT WE DO.
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HOW WE DO IT.
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THE MISSION OF WFF
To empower human beings living around the National Parks in Southern Africa (home to 80% of the worldʼs last wild rhinos) with training, tools, sport, financial opportunity, technology, and education in order to protect, support, and benefit wildlife and habitat, by providing communities with activities and financial opportunities other than poaching, and including the communities in conservation and the financial benefits of wildlife tourism.
OUR VALUES
RESPECT We believe animals have the right to thrive, wild and free; we seek realistic, 21st century solutions to their survival. COMPASSION We have learned that the crisis of poaching takes understanding and compassion for all parties. HAPPINESS Promoting well-being and optimism are critical to success. |
ORIGINS
Wild and Free Foundation Formed in 2014 with the purpose of protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat. When we started the Foundation, our focus was on providing training and gear to anti-poaching rangers. Over time, it became clear that rangers protecting wildlife has limitations. Not only are communities torn apart when rangers are pitted against their neighbors who are poachers, but the underlying economic reasons why local people poach are not being addressed. Two years ago, we had a novel idea—to go and speak directly with poaching communities in Mozambique to see how we can work together to create new activities and opportunities other than rhino poaching. We continue to support anti-poaching rangers on the ground with scholarships and gear, but we believe uplifting the communities living next to wildlife reserves is the long-term solution to decreasing rhino poaching. |
OUR FOCUS
FOCUS Rhinos are our focus because they are gravely endangered and play an essential role in the circle of life. Our first priority is to curtail the extinction of the African Black and White Rhinos by uplifting the communities where rhino poachers live and supporting anti-poaching rangers. Our work focuses on the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (GLTP), including Kruger National Park, where 80% of the world’s remaining rhinos live, and surrounding areas in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. |