In 2007, Margrit and Russ returned from the Philippines where they had spent five years assisting in nonprofit humanitarian and leadership projects. During that time Margrit was appalled and deeply troubled by the devastation and exploitation of the environment and especially the wildlife.
She saw everything that moved, from song bird to iguana, being trapped, grilled and eaten or tied with rope, hung upside down and sold on the roadside.
Some scientists have even concluded that the Philippines environmentally is a lost cause. In his book, Requiem for Nature, John Terborgh writes, the "overpopulated... Philippines are already beyond the point of no return."
On coming home Margrit swore that she wasn’t going to allow the same fate to befall her beloved homeland and its greatest treasure, the wildlife. Today Margrit and Russ devote their fulltime efforts to Nikela.
Nikela was created as the vehicle to stem the tide of wildlife loss in South Africa by increasing the reach of the passionate and dedicated conservationists that know what to do, but desperately need funding to do it. The focus is not only on stepping up wildlife rescue and other protection work but reaching out into the community creating advocates to assure attitudes are refined for the long term.
By attracting a global donor network of wildlife lovers, Nikela serves as the vehicle to connect these GIVERS with qualified (by Nikela) private wildlife advocate and conservation efforts (RECEIVERS). Starting first in South Africa and expanding to Asia and other areas as deemed feasible.
