N/a'an ku sê Conservation Projects
At the Naankuse Foundation, we understand that conservation is not an isolated endeavour but a holistic approach that intertwines the preservation of natural habitats, the well-being of wildlife, and the empowerment of local communities. Our projects are carefully designed to address these interconnected aspects, ensuring a sustainable future for both the environment and the people of Namibia.
The Naankuse Foundation Wildlife Sanctuary sprang to life in 2007, orphaned, injured and human-habituated animals having sought out the solace of the sanctuary ever since. Whenever possible our goal is to release animals back into the wild - only those too ill, abused or habituated remaining at the sanctuary.
The story of Harnas begins in 1978, when Marieta van der Merwe, matriarch of Harnas, rescued a vervet monkey from certain death. Marieta’s love for animals prompted her and her husband, Nick, to turn the cattle farm into a wildlife rescue centre.
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Funded by the Jolie-Pitt Foundation and named in honour of Angelina Jolie’s Namibian-born daughter, the Shiloh Wildlife Sanctuary is an expert facility designed for the care of rhinos and elephants that have been injured or orphaned in incidents of poaching or conflict.
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Namibia is home to 6 species of large carnivores - lion, leopard, cheetah, African wild dog, spotted hyena and brown hyena. These magnificent animals are free roaming outside of formally protected areas. Our unique country also proudly boasts 25% of the global cheetah population.
The protection of endangered species in their natural habitat is an internationally recognized conservation priority and the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is an iconic flagship species of this deepening global biodiversity crisis.
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The terrain of this 14,500-hectare reserve, set amongst Namibia’s southern mountains, ancient canyons and caves, perfectly complements conservation research and the adventure of a lifetime.
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This 35,000-hectare beautifully preserved habitat in the Namib Desert is a conservation paradise, with endless red dunes and indescribable night skies. Landscape rehabilitation is a prime focus of this reserve.
In 2016 Zannier Hotels partnered with the Naankuse Foundation to create an immense nature reserve - 7,500-hectares lending itself to the preservation of vulnerable and endangered species, and the protection of biodiversity.
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Located 45km north-east of Omaruru in Namibia’s west, the TimBila Nature Reserve by Naankuse became an integral addition to the Naankuse Foundation in 2020. Dubbed the ‘place of second chances’, 33,500 hectares contribute towards the conservation projects of the Naankuse Foundation.
Namibia’s coastline is vital for the survival of both marine and bird species and is tragically under threat of destruction from irresponsible tourism and fishing. The Naankuse Coastal Conservation Project specifically aims to combat this, striving to protect a fragile environment.
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The Naankuse Forest Conservation Revegetation Project is taking Naankuse’s current landscape conservation efforts to the next level.
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The Naankuse anti-poaching units (APU) were established from 2017 – fearless men trained by ex-military specialists. The need to protect both vulnerable and critically endangered wildlife species roaming the expanses of the Naankuse-managed reserves prompted the birth of the Naankuse anti-poaching units.