Tourism heavyweights join forces to save the Rhino

Cape Town - The Mantis Collection, started by entrepreneur and hotelier Adrian Gardiner in 2000, is known for its passion for wildlife conservation. So its latest move to incorporate the giant Cape Wheel into its fight against Rhino poaching is savvy and forward thinking.

South Africa is home to 75% of the world’s rhino population and according to WWF statistics poaching has soared from only 13 animals in 2007 to 1004 in 2013.

A percentage of every adult and family ticket sold will be donated to the Wilderness Foundation’s Forever Wild Conservation Programme -  actively making a contribution to this vital cause of Rhino Protection. This partnership will assist in raising much needed funding for conservation, and in particular, threatened species such as rhino and lions, all the while aiming to educate the public on the issue.

Also see: Protecting Kruger's Rhinos

The Cape Wheel, located at the V&A Waterfront which also happens to be the most visited tourist destination in Africa, offers a 360° panoramic view of Cape Town.  At 40-meters high it has become a notable landmark for both the Waterfront and the city, with the 12 - 15 minute experience including views of Table Mountain, Robben Island, the Cape Town City skyline, Paarl Mountains, and the Cape Town Stadium.

The wilderness foundation donates R5 of every adult and family @capewheel ticket to #SAVETHERHINOS #lovecapetown pic.twitter.com/Lv9L3NCeKm

— Traveller24_SAZ (@Traveller24_SAZ) September 25, 2014

“I worked with John Elliott, Managing Director of the Cape Wheel and Brisbane Wheel, when the Cape Wheel was first erected in the Waterfront and because of his passion for wildlife and his respect for Mantis, we have been able to synergize our efforts in supporting this worthy cause”, said Gardiner.

Andrew Muir, CEO of the Wilderness Foundation said, “We cannot be successful with our various projects on our own.  We rely on support and collaboration from our strategic partners to ensure that we can protect and sustain all life on earth for current and future generations. The Wilderness Foundation has an established partnership with the Mantis Collection and we are delighted that they are also partnering with the Cape Wheel towards this cause.  We are committed to ensuring that all funds raised are utilized in the most effective manner”, says Muir.

Also see: World Rhino Day Pics

“This is a very important initiative for the Cape Wheel and our customers and we are proud of this very significant partnership and what we will achieve together. Our goal is to make a real impact and difference through this program” Elliot stated.

So inspired by the @CapeWheel @MantisGroup and @WildernessFdnSA collaboration! Striving to save our precious animals! pic.twitter.com/FcunximSYN

— Megijay (@megijay) September 25, 2014

The Mantis collection’s commitment to conservation and restoration is cemented in each property which is sensitive to its surroundings in respect of the building, environment and local community.  

In 2013, Mantis also launched Mantis extreme which offers an online collection of authentic, once-in-a-lifetime encounters and experiences worldwide. These include  the likes of Wilderness camps in the great Niassa at Lugenda Wilderness Camp, Mozambique; Bear Grylls Survival Academy UK, USA and Africa; Parabolic flights with Space Affairs, Europe; Rhino Encounters with Dr Will Fowlds, South Africa; Midnight Golf, Bjorkliden, Sweden and Great Bear Tours, Canada.

@CapeTown #CapeWheel #Kaapkiekies pic.twitter.com/jiEUKLY3ap

— Ashton (@AshtonObery) September 25, 2014

Visit the Mantis Collection website to find out more or stay abreast of Green issues on News24 by clicking here