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Voortrekker: The Legend of the Ugab

After many years of war, poaching and famine, Voortrekker, meaning "Pioneer", emerged in the early nineties. Out of seemingly nowhere, while strolling down the Ugab River, he made a loud rumble which locals recall sounding like a motorbike. What we didn't know then, was that this loud rumble was his way of saying that he was going to return - this time, with a herd of elephants, now known as Mama Afrika.

In the decades since his arrival, the "Old Man" as he was affectionately called by locals, made himself a home with the other desert elephants that followed him. By his example, they coexisted peacefully with the local community. Like they always belonged there, because they did. They lived and grew alongside humans, powerfully displaying the magic of nature's harmony. Like the deep-rooted Ana trees, that have survived the harshest of habitats, weathered many storms and overcome insurmountable odds to create this picture-perfect community.

 The moment Voortrekker first stepped foot in the Ugab River Valley might have been when he cemented his place in history, but the tender moments of his presence in the years to come are what endeared him in the hearts of thousands. Over the years, we've heard many heartwarming stories about Voortrekker, which is proof that it must've taken a giant spirit to create such a magnetic connection with others.

 
 

Sadly, Voortrekker was wrongfully shot on the 25th of June 2019 after being declared a problem elephant by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. After Voortrekker was killed last year we made a promise to never let another free-roaming desert elephant die due to hunting or human-wildlife conflict. We are committed to conducting our ongoing conservation work and to fight for Voortrekker’s herds!

Voortrekker's legacy lives on in the memory of those around the world who he encountered. He will be remembered for how he graced the desert plains of the Ugab Valley and changed the course of history for his herd. He may be gone, but his footprints are forever etched in the hearts and minds of the community.

 We must cherish his legacy by telling his story, and like his spirit keeping watch over his herd on the desert plains, we must protect those who followed him home. They are rare, and their way of life is too special to disappear.

 

 How can you support?

By supporting our ongoing fundraising initiatives, or processing a direct donation towards EHRA, you are helping us be out in the field looking after elephants and communities. These funds help us build protective walls around fragile waterpoints, and also provides funding so that our team can continue with their ongoing conservation work to help prevent conflict between humans and elephants. To purchase a limited edition Voortrekker t-shirt, hoodie, vest or sweatshirt please head to our online t-shirt shop through Bonfire.

🇳🇦 If you are based in Namibia, please download this order for here and email rachel@desertelephant.org to place an order. Adults t-shirts are N$200 and kiddies t-shirts are N$150. Free delivery pickup in Swakopmund / Walvis Bay. N$80 for delivery to the rest of Namibia. All proceeds from the sale are reinvested into EHRA’s projects.

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