Archive for the ‘Conservation’ Category

Conservation and the protection of biodiversity is of the utmost importance to Janet and Rob Cuthbertson. Suni-Ridge Sand Forest Park Environmental Rehabilitation Centre was established to expand Janet and Rob’s focus of environmental concern into the surrounding area and local communities. Read the rest of this entry »

Currently, most orphaned wild animals are left for “nature to take care of herself”, which means that any baby wild animal will surely die being unable to fend for itself.

And this is in a part of Africa where the majestic wild elephants, rhino, leopard, cheetah, etc. once roamed freely. These animals can now only be seen in limited numbers in protected reserves.

Our goal is to give the orphans the survival skills needed, which they would have learned from their parents, so that they can return to the wild when the time comes. Read the rest of this entry »

It is essential that we protect our wildlife from poaching and hunting. One might understand the terrible “need” if it was driving by hunger for the poverty-stricken table, but in most cases, it’s because of the bush-meat trade or other profit-driven reason.

If things carry on as they are now, there won’t be any wildlife left to see. This needs to stop.

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KHOLA is the Zulu word for Believe.

We believe we can make a difference!

The KHOLA Campaign is for people, businesses and organisations who share our belief that wildlife reserves should be bona fide safe havens for wild animals, where they are not used as a resource “for their own protection”.

Read the rest of this entry »

“Old Boy” was the first wild zebra stallion at Suni-Ridge. Over the 12-years, he had become quite tame, often coming to the house to visit Janet and Rob Cuthbertson at night.

Below is a copy of the letter that Janet sent to a friend about this tragic event. Further down, you can also read the letter about little KHOLA, the foal that was born after Old Boy’s death. Khola is the inspiration behind the KHOLA Sponsor Ad Campagin. Read the rest of this entry »

Wildlife Art “Big Five” prints by Janet Cuthbertson

© Wildlife Art "Big Five" prints (set of 5) by Janet Cuthbertson

The prints are on thick import-quality textured paper. 1 of each of the above animal prints are rolled together to form a set of the “Big Five”. This lion below is a closeup and gives you an idea of the quality of the art. Read the rest of this entry »

Leopard Walk Lodge is situated within the Suni-Ridge Sand Forest Park, which is a paradise for nature lovers.

Our Bed & Breakfast accommodation is private and cosy, with two cottages to choose from. Guests are welcome to dine at Leopard Walk Lodge’s restaurant.

Our guests can normally enjoy a relatively close encounter with the wildlife. Trips to nearby “Big-Five” wildlife reserves can also be arranged.

We look forward to welcoming you!  Read the rest of this entry »

To help the local communities live in a sustainable way that conserves their cultural and natural heritage, we run a Young Environmental Ambassador’s Leadership Course.

By supporting our ECO-AMBASSADOR Campaign, you are encouraging the leaders of tomorrow to protect their natural and cultural heritage.

The 5-day course is based at Suni-Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary, and strives to achieve the following: Read the rest of this entry »

Provide a Sanctuary for Wildlife

It has been well documented that during the past 15 years, the population of large numbers of mammals outside of parks and game reserves has decreased dramatically.

Illegal hunting, the bushmeat trade, expansion of agriculture and urban settlements are the main causes of this trend.

Our aim is to provide a safe haven where wildlife is protected from being utilised as a resource for the meat trade, hunting or breeding.

Read the rest of this entry »

Suni Antelope are found in our Wildlife Sanctuary

From huge to small, rare and endangered species enjoy our protection.

A varied selection of animal species (including 8 red data species) are found here. Suni-Ridge Sand Forest Park Environmental Rehabilitation Centre is named in honour of the diminutive Suni Antelope that is found in our sand forest.

Thanks to your generous support, Suni-Ridge is able to provide a wildlife sanctuary, protect the amazing biodiversity in our region, and to increase the awareness among local communitities of the importance to preserve and protect the environment and their natural heritage.  Read the rest of this entry »

For the first time in history, False Bay dried out completely during the drought that we experienced in our area. False Bay, the northern basin of Lake St. Lucia is an intricate wetland and eco-system within the Isimangaliso Wetland Park World Natural Heritage Site. Read the rest of this entry »

During 1991 Janet and Rob Cuthbertson purchased a rundown pineapple farm, which today has been rehabilitated into a beautiful and flourishing wildlife reserve.

Our years of effort have at times been exciting, rewarding and often the challenge has been daunting, but the knowledge that we are giving something back to nature is our most worthwhile reward”. ~ Janet and Rob Cuthbertson

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© Map of Maputaland in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Suni-Ridge Sand Forest Park is located in Maputaland, an ecological paradise on the north east coast of South Africa, and enjoys a greater biodiversity than any other area in the country.

“On the left is the sparkling Mozambique coast with the town of Ponta da Oura and on the right, the start of the most beautiful stretch of KwaZulu Natal coastal landscape. A series of lakes strung out like shimmering beads in necklace.

We had just flown across Tembe Elephant Park with its unique watery wilderness, spotting elephant and rhino at waterholes. And ahead of us is the Mkuzi Game Reserve, the up-market Phinda Reserve and the grandeur of the Lubombo Mountains with Swaziland on the other side.”

Jill Gowans, an environmental reporter for the Sunday Tribune, observed this while flying over the Maputaland region. Read the rest of this entry »