In April last year, the world mourned the loss of Anna Merz, a truly inspirational leader who championed black rhino conservation in Kenya. With the support of the Craig family, Anna was the driving force behind the establishment of the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and its successful rhino breeding programme.
Anna’s legacy trust was established under the name of the Samia Rhino Trust, and according to her wishes will be used to support rhino conservation worldwide, split approximately 75% to African rhino conservation efforts and 25% to Asian.
Save the Rhino is delighted to be working with the Samia Rhino Trust to direct 100% of funds awarded by the Trust towards key rhino conservation programmes in Africa.
In June 2014, the Samia Rhino Trust’s board of trustees, agreed to provide the following rhino grants:
- $55,000 to support rhino monitoring activities by the Lowveld Rhino Trust in Zimbabwe
- $5,800 to buy rhino crime-scene equipment for the North Luangwa National Park, Zambia
- $31,250 towards the development of two three-man guard houses at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
- $29,406 towards a field ranger training programme to assist the protection of rhino on Borana Conservancy, also Kenya
We are very thankful to the Samia Rhino Trust for these recent grants, and look forward to working together to continue Anna’s legacy and provide much-needed ongoing funding for African rhino conservation programmes.
I read with such pride about my dear late Godmother’s legacy – it is wonderful to know that her inspiration and passion continues beyond her death and that her legacy is named after her beloved Samia.
Thank you to each and everyone who is helping to continue Anna’s vital work. Warmest best wishes, Naomi