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Our CEO tackles hunting chairman + Photographer of the Year OPEN
I wrote the open letter below with huge reluctance. We (all of us) have better things to do than respond to public attacks on our integrity, and yet here we are.
We were going to ignore the rambling ideological sermon aimed at AG a few weeks ago, but after numerous nudges from far and wide we changed tack. Urgh, I hated every second of the writing process – some written deep in the Congo rainforest where we marvelled at the magnificent wildlife and enjoyed the company of welcoming locals. There is so much to celebrate, and here I am wasting precious energy on this relic industry from a bygone era. Yet someone has to stand up to this stuff, and inject common sense and factual accuracy into a topic that is smothered in layers of misinformation.
On a more important note, how are you? Every Wednesday morning when I sit on the verandah with my mug of coffee and envisage my thoughts for today’s newsletter, I feel a huge sense of companionship and shared passion. Thank you
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
We are SO EXCITED to announce that Photographer of the Year 2024 is open for entries TODAY – see more details below. Villiers Steyn’s photo gallery from Chitake Springs, also below, will help provide photo inspiration.
On a more sombre note, South Africa’s rhino poaching stats for 2023 show a concerning increase in rhinos lost. 499 rhinos were poached in 2023 – an 11% rise in poaching. And while there has been a decrease in rhinos poached from the Kruger National Park, poachers have now turned to KwaZulu-Natal’s Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, which bore the brunt of the losses – 307 last year. Government will need to better support anti-poaching initiatives and NGOs to tip the scales in the rhinos’ favour. We provide a full report on the Kruger rhino population every year – to be updated soon, once detailed figures are available.
Story 1
https://africageographic.com/stories/open-letter-to-michel-mantheakis-chairman-of-the-tanzanian-hunting-operators-association-tahoa/
OPEN LETTER
Two super tuskers hunted in Tanzania: Africa Geographic CEO Simon Espley responds to TAHOA chairperson Michel Mantheakis
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/chitake-springs-photo-safari/
CHITAKE SPRINGS
A photographic safari to Chitake Springs in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park offers an untamed safari experience
TRAVEL DESK:
Looking for a unique safari experience? Check out our art safaris, where Africa’s wildlife will inspire your creative talents. Whether you’re a passionate beginner or a seasoned creator, these popular safaris guided by a professional artist will nurture your soul.
Photographer of the Year is open for entries
Dust off your cameras because Photographer of the Year 2024 is here! Start searching your photo collections for that phenomenal image. We’re looking for your photos that celebrate Africa and capture the continent’s splendour, from wildlife action and landscapes to African culture and safari experiences.
There are some epic prizes up for grabs for our three winners. Read more about how to enter here.
Sponsored by Imvelo Safari Lodges. In association with Southern African Conservation Trust (SACT) and WILDCRU.
WATCH: Photographer of the Year 2024 promises to go down in history as the best one ever! We have extraordinary prizes on offer – including the chance to contribute to lion conservation in Hwange. Find out more and take inspiration from last year’s entries by watching this video. Start sending your entries now! (01:29) Click here to watch
For more videos celebrating Africa, check out our videos here
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