— Cultures for treating snare wounds ($75 each)
— Medications and supplies ($10,000/year)
— Helicopter fees for animal rescues ($550–$3,000 per capture)
— Dart guns ($500–$1,000 each)
— Solar panels to combat power outages ($6,000)
— Smelting furnaces to repurpose materials ($400)
— Salaries for local workers and veterinary technicians ($5,500–$8,000/year)
What is Needed
South Africa’s Greater Kruger area is a critical conservation hotspot where wildlife faces increasing threats from poaching and snares. The need for life-saving interventions is urgent, including:
- Medical care for injured and snared animals to treat life-threatening wounds.
- Rhino dehorning procedures to deter poaching and protect endangered rhinos.
- Snare sweeps to remove deadly traps from wildlife habitats.
- Resources and tools to support wildlife rescues, including:
Without intervention, many animals, including rhinos, lions, elephants, and giraffes, face irreversible harm or death.
What We do
Veterinarians International has launched an initiative to support two extraordinary conservation champions in the Greater Kruger area: Down to the Wire and Dr. Rita Piso of Mangata Vets. Our goals are to provide critical resources to enhance their impact and build upon the trusted partnerships they have built with the local communities.
Down to the Wire (D2TW)
- Founded by South African siblings Troy and Lilly Otto, D2TW transforms snare wire—used by poachers to kill wildlife—into symbols of hope.
- Proceeds from handcrafted products fund wildlife rescues, including veterinary care, sedation, and helicopter transport.
- By working with local rangers, veterinarians, and reserves, D2TW removes deadly snares, saving countless animals from suffering.
Mangata Vets
- Led by wildlife veterinarian Dr. Rita Piso, this mobile clinic has provided veterinary care for over 3,345 animals from 2021 to 2023, including 54 rhinos, 54 giraffes, and 38 lions.
- Services include rhino dehorning, snare removal, wildlife relocations, and emergency medical care.
- Dr. Piso collaborates with conservation groups and wildlife agencies to ensure animals receive the care they need to thrive.
How You Can Help
Your support is vital to the success of this program and the continued treatment of South Africa’s wildlife. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Donate to fund critical resources:
— $75: Provides a culture for treating snare wounds.
— $500–$1,000: Covers the cost of a dart gun for rescues.
— $6,000: Purchases solar panels to power essential operations during outages. - Raise Awareness by sharing our mission and the stories of these incredible conservationists.
- Shop with Purpose: Purchase handcrafted products from Down to the Wire to directly support wildlife rescues.
Together, we can ensure a safer, brighter future for South Africa’s wildlife and protect our shared environment to promote long-term conservation of this magnificent region.