Tigers Moving Forward
"The human population
has gone through 7 billion. Half of those live in Asia and compete
with the tiger for space and resources. This is a race that the
tigers simply cannot win" JV, Tiger Canyons,
2014
Despite various reports to the contrary, coming
out of India, the fact remains that by 2020, India will be the most
populated country in the world, exceeding even China.
None of India's famous tiger parks, Ranthambore,
Kanha, Bandhavgarth, James Corbett, Sariska, Panna etc. are fenced.
Nowhere has the Indian Government been able or
willing to reduce the conflict between human beings, domestic stock
and tigers.
The sad fact is that Asia continues to lose a
tiger per day to poaching (the body parts industry in China is
expanding annually), illegal hunting, loss of prey and loss of
habitat.
Therefore it is with great pleasure that I can
announce that a valuable piece of land in close proximity to Tiger
Canyons has been purchased for tigers. The land has exceptional
underground water and can be converted into a highly productive
wetland.
The farm house can easily be changed into a
lodge, resulting in the daily travel to Philippolis to be
discontinued.
A runway suitable for executive jets is to be
constructed in close proximity to the lodge.
In time, a "game guides academy" is to be created
out of the nearby stables. Courses in guiding, tracking,
photography, filmmaking, land management and veterinary skills will
be offered.
Our objective will be preparing young people for
a career in the tourist industry.
Our motto is "Tigers
bring Tourists, Tourists Create Jobs"
It is our desire that the poverty pocket of
Philippolis will greatly benefit from the job creation, training and
upliftment that this project will bring.
We intend to become a major player in the
reclaiming of the land back to its original state and also in the
creation of wealth through tourism.
I would like to thank sincerely Emma Wypkema and
Jabu Mabuza for their vision, faith and resolve in investing in this
bold project.
I would also like to thank Bill and Ansie
Schoeman for selling us this magnificent property.
Canyon Lodge:
It is with great pleasure that I can announce
that two luxury beds are being developed on the canyon.
In addition, a downloading facility and dining
room is being constructed so you can download your pictures while
having breakfast.
Toilets are being constructed, so that you can go
straight from your game drive to breakfast.
I would like to thank Margaret Pang (Margaret
also sponsored Ussuri's three cubs Antoine, Jamez and Marguerite)
for financing this valuable addition to Tiger Canyons.
The Tigress Julie Foundation:
The Tigress Julie Foundation is almost complete.
It has been registered as a company for non profit.
I would like to thank Werner de Jager for his
advice and help in establishing the Tigress Julie Foundation.
The Tigress Julie Foundation can accept donations
from anywhere in the world in any currency. At the discretion of the
trustees, the money will be spend on any tiger project which
attempts to help save the endangered tiger.
I would like to thank sincerely the following who
have agreed to be directors of the company.
Rodney and Lorna Drew
Jos and Yvette van Bommel
Emma Wypkema
Financial details of where you can donate will
follow shortly.
"The tiger will not be
saved by one individual. It will be saved by a team of like-minded
people prepared to share their financial resources, creativity and
talent"
JV, Tiger Canyons, 2015
