Terra Nova wins SITE Crystal Award for "Most Outstanding Motivational programme 2009"

Terra Nova humanitarian & wildlife projects

Rhino Immobiliation Project

Rhino populations worldwide have dropped drastically due to poaching and habitat loss. With the growing population, genetic integrity of the species is of utmost importance and to monitor this, Rhino's in South Africa's National Parks need to be identified individually. Unfortunately most National Parks do not have the funds to do this. Our corporate clients have the opportunity to actively take-part in this project by funding the immobilization of Rhinos. By participating in a immobilization not only do they get to experience a once in a lifetime event but also contribute to conservation and protection of these amazing creatures.

The operation is carried out with a Helicopter to aid in the location of a suitable animal, once darted the Helicopter also herds the selected animal closer to the road. Guests are transferred in game viewing vehicles and have a grandstand view of this part of the procedure. Once the Rhino is sedated completely, guests then have the opportunity to get off the vehicle and become hands on with the veterinary team. A numbering system is used and by cutting small V notches into the Rhinos ears at certain places, it gives that Rhino an individual number. This allows for the monitoring of movement and breeding of individual animals.

This is an amazing opportunity to get up close to one of Africa Big 5 and at the same time being involved in an important project.

Lion Interaction

VIP Guests have the once in a lifetime opportunity to participate to in certain Lion interaction programmes, arranged by Terra Nova in conjunction with the National Parks Boards.

In the past, one of our groups assignment was to assist in locating a pride of four Lion's and then to separate the two almost fully grown younger ones and remove the radio collar on the male.

Guests first met with the professionals in charge who demonstrated the equipment which would be used. After sunset, using four open safari vehicles and spotlights, the search was on for the pride in fairly thick bush. Once the lion was spotted, the Head Ranger darted the animal who needed to be worked on. The lion was asleep within seconds. The group helped to lift the drugged Lion onto a canvas stretcher and then boards a pick-up truck. The group then transported the Lion a couple of kilometers away where he could be worked on without interference from the rest of the pride.. The radio collar on the Lion will be removed with the help of the group. Afterwards they were able to touch and feel the sleeping Lion. They were able to feel how sharp the Lion's canines were and saw the size of his giant paws.

There was ample time to take pictures before the lion was returned to its original location and supervised by the National parks veterinarian while he "woke up". Guests returned to the Lodge on an adrenalin-high after this most unusual experience.

BEACH SOCCER EVENT
One of our clients wanted to include a team-building activity with a social aspect into their travel itinerary.

Terra Nova decided to organise an interactive soccer tournament with local underprivileged Children on Camps Bay Beach. Delegates were divided into groups and allocated a team of children, which they had to coach and support throughout the "round robin" soccer matches. The interaction between visiting guests and children was unbelievable.

Delegates took their role very seriously and worked hard to encourage their teams to win the event. The loud cheers attracted a huge amount of spectators on the beach. The children were energetic and determined to win. They also enjoyed a fun day on the beach, which they few of them have ever experienced as well as the interaction with the foreign visitors.

Funds donated by our client helped sports clubs in the townships to support their talented players and thus get them off the streets as well as maintain their sports grounds and buy new equipment.

Social Projects at Red Hill Creche

The brief from a car manufacturer was to design a round trip "off the beaten tracks" with a social aspect, as their intention at the end of the trip was to donate vehicles for a good cause.

Terra Nova executed a unique 4-day tour around the Western Cape with "soccer" as the theme. Highlights of the programme were soccer tournaments for street children on the beaches of remote towns, as well as a final playoff in the townships of Cape Town, culminating in the donation of two Mercedes Sprinter vehicles for a local soccer charity.

The organisation assists underprivileged children by developing life skills and upliftment through sport. With the two sprinter vehicles, the organisation are now able to transport children to and from their homes to training facilities and matches.

Various Projects at Red Hill Creche

Redhill is just a couple of kilometres away from the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Some people would love to live in this unspoilt, stunning area, but for the inhabitants of Redhill it is a never-ending cast, which causes a tougher life. The solitude makes it hard to find work or even send the kids to school. In summer 2006, a bush fire destroyed a couple of houses and damaged some facilities.

However, the little ones are the most effected, due to a lack of well-balanced nutrition, primary health care, parental care, and education. Therefore, a charity organisation founded the Redhill Community Pre-School Project, which advocates children to have a fair chance for a better future. The Kids are prepared for school life, are taught the simplest skills of daily living and thus get to experience how beautiful a childhood can be without hunger and sorrows. At the moment the school operates from old shipping containers, where each container serves as one classroom and one container as a kitchen. Terra Nova continuously supports Red Hill Creche.

Christmas Tree and School Bag Project

Shortly before Christmas and with the help of our clients, Terra Nova organized a Christmas function at the school. We made Christmas decorations with the children, which we used to decorate a Christmas tree for them. Many clients, friends and suppliers donated goods and gifts for this function and we were able to donate many goods to the school, like educational games, stationary, school bags for each child, lunch box containers, drink bottles and toys.

To view more please visit http://www.terra-nova.co.za/social.htm