Youtuber raises R750 000 for wildlife haven
KWAZULU-NATAL will get its first antivenom hub, thanks to a local conservationist who has raised R700 000 for its development.
Pietermaritzburg-born Youtube star Graham “Dingo” Dinkelman planned to raise $50 000 (R712 725) in 50 days but has surpassed the goal.
Dinkelman began fund-raising in May for the Dingo’s Animal Kingdom, a wildlife haven that was being built in Cato Ridge.
Dinkelman said the centre would be a multifunctional facility where a wide variety of animals were able to roam free in their natural environment.
“Collaborating with other conservation institutions, this safe haven will be the base for informative demonstrations and schools shows, as well as providing up-to-date training in conservation and offering invaluable research into protected species. We are also looking to house anti-venom and have a base so should there be a need we can help,” he said.
Currently, the Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park in Johannesburg was the primary and sole hub for the country when it came to anti-venom availability and supplies.
Dinkelman said the province was home to a variety of venomous snakes such as black and green mambas, puff adders and boomslangs that each required their own copious amounts of anti-venom ampules that was not always readily available for the more exotic venomous snakes.
“Thankfully most hospitals have common anti-venom but when they are used up, supplies need to be restocked. For exotic snakes that anti-venom is rare but we are hoping to have stock at the centre,” he said.
The animal kingdom in collaboration with local and international experts would additionally initiate vital captive breeding programmes to save endangered species and then reintroduce them into the wild.
The 20-hectare farm would also serve as a base of operations for the team.
“It will set the benchmark for the continent on how animals can be cared for, creating a unique platform for people and animals to connect but for the moment while we wait for paperwork to be passed for construction to get underway we have begun planting over 1 000 indigenous trees,” he said.
Those who have made financial contributions for the centre, also sent messages of support.
Laura Wilcox from Virginia in the US said: “The first time I saw Dingo on
Youtube I couldn’t help but get swept up by his enthusiasm and passion for wildlife conservation. I am fortunate to be able to help.”
Krystal Santiago from Colorado in the US said although she may have never left Colorado let alone the US she felt like she had travelled South Africa with Dinkelman’s help.
“I feel deeply privileged to be able to contribute to wildlife conservation all the way across in South Africa.”
In Surrey, England, Christopher Reed said: “Although Dingo is 6 000 miles (9 656km) away, his passion for conservation is contagious and I feel honoured to play my part. I hope to visit it in person one day.”
Byron Forsberg from Johannesburg said he donated because he knew each cent went to a cause near and dear to his heart – the conservation of animals and their natural habitats.