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Hop-on Guides and Marine Rangers 'see' into the future with donation

Date: 2008-10-01

Addo Elephant National Park’s Hop-on Guides have received a boost with a donation of two pairs of binoculars from Mr. John Walton of the United Kingdom.

The Hop-on Guides are a group of local community members who provide guiding services to visitors in the comfort of their own vehicles. While they run their own business, Addo Elephant National Park provides support in terms of marketing, training and the provision of an operating base..

The Park’s Marine Rangers received a very welcome donation of two pairs of water-resistant binoculars as well as six waterproof cases for storage of equipment during marine patrols.

“The binoculars are a very useful addition to our equipment and will prove vital in our efforts to apprehend marine offenders”, said John Adendorff, Addo Elephant National Park’s Conservation Manager, who accepted the binoculars on behalf of the Marine Rangers.

Walton also handed over a pair of binoculars to William Dodo, a community elder who acts as a guide in the Park’s Imbewu programme. Dodo leads groups of high school learners on three-day trips into the Park to sleep under the stars and learn about nature as well as their cultural legacy.

Addo Elephant National Park’s game drive guides received a fourth pair of binoculars. “I hope that this donation will encourage visitors who support conservation to make similar contributions where they have the means to do so”, said John Walton.

Walton, who is involved in law enforcement in the UK, recently visited the Park to hand over the binoculars and also to enjoy a holiday with his wife.

Issued by: South African National Parks

Enquiries: Megan Taplin, Regional Communications Manager, Addo Elephant, Camdeboo, Karoo, Mountain Zebra National Parks, tel: (042) 233-8609 or cell: 083 650 8649