Social Media Surprise

This web network social media thing was so strange and new to me.

I anticipated people just being letters and a smile on the screen. How could this all work without sitting down with people face to face or at least hearing their voice on the phone.

But I have met many great people this week. Their personalities and expertise are given freely and the connection is quite natural.

To give you an example I connected from Texas to a Romanian living in Portugal willing to help me understand fundraising for South Africa... and it worked terrifically! And by the way he contacted me!

The Nikela network is growing! We truly will be a global network of Wildlife lovers funding Wildlife protection and advocate efforts in South Africa.

Wow what a wonderful week!

Download Painting of Aslan, the LION

My friend Edith Macmillan, an amazing artist, is giving away a free download of her rendition of Aslan to every VIDEO CONTEST entry. Click "CONTEST" Tab above if you want to enter.


[Of course, 'sample' won't be all across yours silly]

It keeps Growing...

The Nikela fan page on Face Book keeps growing!  We're thrilled to see how many of you are joining the Nikela community. 

We're gearing up, getting ready and so excited about our up coming South African tour.  Besides smelling the lion and touching the South African dirt you'll be watching and seeing it (almost) as if you were there.

A few options for following our adventure to visit Michele and Ian, Shannon and Ben and a host of others as we watch them in action with the wildlife they rescue and rehab:

    You won't miss a story if you subscribe, however you want, on the side bar (see POSTS)
    Become a fan of our Face Book page
    Then there's of course Twitter.

NIKELA TO SOUTH AFRICA OR BUST

What a marvelous day.

It is official!! Our second South African validation tour is a go for this September.

Think they're enough gas stations across the Atlantic?

What a privilege to meet with so many dedicated experts in protecting and advocating for Wildlife. What a thrill to see how Nikela can help.

The office is a flurry of activity to get all the ducks in a row for the trip. Phase II of the website should be launched just before we leave and our 501 c 3 tax exempt status finalized just after we get back. Ah… PROGRESS!!

Hope you will enjoy experiencing South Africa with us. Stay tuned for picture, video, and blog updates from these projects and Nikela’s progress.

Video Contest Sample

Of course quite hi-tech, but this is the general flavor (only wildlife related) that we'd like to get with our video created by your genius kids for our contest.


Charity:Water from John Chow on Vimeo.

For details about sending in your video.

Something you need to know about Margrit

The following is a personal experience that happened a few months back.

Margrit sits enthralled while admiring the mama Kudo standing outside our truck window her nose extended close enough to touch. What an experience to see the interaction between the two, the light shining in their eyes.

Their gaze lingers long as other vehicles pass behind us oblivious to the magic of this moment.

It is as if mama Kudo and Margrit are talking, sharing their love and common concern. You can literally feel Margrit’s promise and urgency swell as the peace between them deepens.

Being a bit slow on the uptake all these years, I finally realize the profound commitment my wildlife fanatic wife has to preserve and protect all living creatures from undo harm and in many cases extinction.

As we hesitantly drive away my commitment transforms from supporting the one I love in her adventure, to driving a Wildlife Nonprofit to make a huge difference for wildlife, children, and all of us. What a joy to help Margrit fulfill her promise.

Why the Survival of South African Wildlife Matters to Us All

If you're like most, you imagine that I grew up with lions and elephants roaming around in my neighborhood.

The King that's lost his crown!

Did you know an elephant mama is pregnant for 24 months!

Well, eventhough I grew up in the '60s the large South African mammals were only found in game parks.  Sadly, since then, more than half of the magnificent creatures South Africa is known for are gone.  Lost to poaching, trophy hunting, habitat loss and simple ignorance.  Unfortunately, the rate of loss has increased steadily over the past five years.

Why is this something we need to be concerned about?

South Africa is insignificant as land mass goes (only 1%) but extremely important when it comes to being home to the world's wildlife (around 10% when you include mammals, birds and reptiles).  You can see why protecting South Africa's wildlife is of global concern.   

Get involved by...

Following us on:

1. Blog (bookmark our blog http://www.nikela.org/)
2. Face Book (visit our Nikela Fan Page and join the community)
3. Twitter (hear the latest news first @ Nikela_Wildlife

Share some of your:

1. Time (email us)
2. Expertise (email us)
3. Money (Give what you can)

Every little bit helps and is much appreciated.