Celebrating the Planet

Earth Day began in 1970 as an effort to preserve and protect our planet's resources. According to Great Plains Conservation, the focus now must be on reclaiming, regenerating and rewilding the earth and its inhabitants. On this Earth Day, Great Plains reached a milestone of feeding more than 12,722 children each day, and has delivered just over 4 million meals since the program began just over a year ago. In addition, the company is busy translocating wildlife to ensure its survival - moving giraffes from Save Valley Conservancy in Zimbabwe to Hwange National Park and arranging for more elephant relocations to the Mana Pools area around Tembo Plains Camp.

Wilderness Safaris recently celebrated World Planting Day, as well as the United Nations' International Day of Forests with its ongoing commitment to reforestation, pioneering  projects around Bisate Lodge, Wilderness Bisate Reserve, Sabyinyo Lodge and Gishwati Lodge in Rwanda. The 100,000-plus indigenous trees planted at Bisate near Volcanoes National Park, have transformed this previously degraded site into a thriving forest, with numerous wildlife species returning to the area.

International Penguin Day is taking place this week. Despite their charm, African Penguins face numerous threats to their survival. Habitat destruction, overfishing, pollution, and climate change have all contributed to the decline in their populations. To celebrate International Penguin Day, there will be a number of live events at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, featuring educational sessions to educate the public about these special birds and their challenges.