The Naankuse Foundation
Founded in 2006 by Dr Rudie and Marlice van Vuuren, along with other founding members, with the aim of conserving the land, cultures and wildlife of Namibia. History of the Naankuse Wildlife Foundation a conservation organization that sustains its projects through non-governmental funding and responsible conservation tourism. They run several crucial projects to improve the health and well-being of the ancient yet marginalised San Bushmen of Namibia, provide a second chance to countless orphaned, injured and/or conflict animals, work to prevent land degradation, and stand at the forefront of human-wildlife conflict mitigation by undertaking critical conservation and research projects to ensure a thriving future for Namibia’s majestic wildlife. Their vision is an Africa where humans and wildlife can live and thrive together. Their mission is to conserve the land, cultures and wildlife of Namibia and rescue species threatened by an ever-shrinking habitat.
A brief history:
2003: The death of a San baby prompts Dr. Rudie and Marlice van Vuuren to establish the Lifeline Clinic for the San community of Epukiro. Dr. Jannes Brandt introduces valued partners, including Dutch philanthropist, Jan Verburg, who makes the clinic a reality. N/a’an ku sê Lodge follows, providing employment and funding humanitarian and conservation projects.
2007: The N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary comes to life, providing a second chance for animals and releasing them back into the wild when possible.
2008: “Rapid Response” starts mitigating human-wildlife conflict, reducing the indiscriminate killing of captured carnivores on commercial farmland by 80%. Their mitigation and conservation research spreads to other sites across Namibia.
2009: The N/a’an ku sê Primary School is born, providing free education for N/a’an ku sê’s children. Utopia Boutique Hotel starts accommodating the discerning business and leisure traveler alike.
2011: Angelina Jolie chooses N/a’an ku sê to become a partner of the Shiloh Jolie-Pitt Foundation, in honour of her Namibian-born daughter. The Jolie-Pitt Foundation has been supporting the work of N/a’an ku sê ever since.
2012: Neuras Wine & Wildlife Estate is added, conservation through innovation being practiced with the sale of Neuras wines supporting conservation projects. The 14,500 hectares of this reserve perfectly lend themselves to conservation research.
2014: Kanaan Desert Retreat becomes a part of the portfolio, with the van Uden Group joining the N/a’an ku sê family. This vast expanse of pristine conservation territory proves ideal for research forays into many aspects of conservation.
2015: Utopia Boutique Hotel is extended, providing comfort to more guests.
2017: Mangetti Elephant & African Wild Dog Research Project begins. The N/a’an ku sê Forest Conservation Revegetation Project starts propelling crucial landscape conservation efforts. The Shiloh Wildlife Sanctuary commences with rehabilitating rhinos and elephants.
2018: The Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê becomes a haven for the release of rehabilitated wildlife. Our anti-poaching unit provides protection for vulnerable and endangered species.
2019: The N/a’an ku sê Chapel, funded by Jan and Tineke Verburg, opens its doors. N/a’an ku sê Travellers’ Inn starts welcoming guests, adding luxury to the backpacker experience.
2020: The TimBila Nature Reserve by N/a’an ku sê, protected territory providing a second chance for conflict animals, is added to the N/a’an ku sê Foundation’s crucial conservation sites. This is made possible by Dutch conservation partners, Albert and Anneke ten Brinke.
All this informations come from their website: Naankuse