Tusk Trust - The Bateleurs Translocation of Lions

The Bateleurs – Flying for the Environment in Africa

The Bateleurs is a unique non-profit organisation of volunteer pilot members who give their aviation skills, the use of their privately-owned aircraft, and their time for free in support of conservation and the environment in Africa.

Since 1998 over 200 pilots have flown more than 600  missions in 10 different countries for over 120 beneficiary organisations.

Based in South Africa, the administration of the Bateleurs provides a rigorous process to review and approve (or decline) all flight requests, as well as monitoring missions and tracking other activities. Missions have very diverse objectives such as: identifying illegal land conversion, roads and housing; tracking, surveying and relocating wild animals; observing illegal, proposed or ‘restored’ mining sites; conducting habitat assessments and surveys; and supporting wildlife crime investigations. By providing this service at no charge the Bateleurs provide conservation organisations, decision-makers, researchers, educators, NGOs and the media with information which assists them in making sound decisions.

Funding from Tusk has supported many missions in southern Africa, as well as helping to cover the organisation’s core operational expenses, enabling them to expand and continue their much-needed support.

The Bateleurs provide a hugely valuable service to environmental organisations with limited funds operating across Africa. The modest ongoing funding they require is exceptional value for wildlife conservation.

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