"May the footprints I leave behind show that I have walked
in kindness toward the earth & every living soul."
- Native American Philosophy

Wynter is closely involved in a number of wildlife organisations and projects around Southern Africa. .

Baboon Matters Trust

Baboon Matters was started by environmentalist Jenni Trethowan (co-founder of Kommetjie Environmental Awareness Group) in order to create awareness about the plight of Baboons in South Africa. She started the innovative "Walking with Baboons" tours in order to educate people about the gentler side of these controversial animals. Unfortuantely the walks have been stopped according to new baboon management strategies, but hopefully will be allowed to continue in the future.

Baboon Matters is dedicated to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Baboons in South Africa. Over the last year, the involvement of the Trust has been far wider spread. In the past,they were specifically focussed on the peninsula troops, usually being the first to be allerted to any injuries, dispersing males and other issues resulting from human-baboon conflict.The current service provider (Nature Conservation Corporation) deals with the hands on management of the Cape Peninsula troops. Baboon Matters Trust is now focussing more on education and awareness about the plight of baboons in South Africa. They are also pivotal in implementing baboon monitor programmes and offer training and advice in all areas of South Africa where humans and baboons come into conflict.

For more information about Baboon Matters go to: www.baboonmatters.org.za

The Global White Lion Protection Trust

Wynter has been involved with the White Lion Reintroduction Project from way before the pride made their first steps to freedom on the soil of their Timbavati homeland. White Lions were removed from the wild and for the last 25 years have only existed in zoos and breeding camps, supporting the horrific practice of canned lion hunting. Linda Tucker's work has made a huge difference to the plight of the White Lions in South Africa. These lions are held sacred by the Shangaan people, and Linda has managed to bring the Light back to the Greater Timbavati, by letting the starlions roam free under African skies.

Wynter is honoured to be invited to teach at "Tsau", headquarters of WLT, and home of the first wild pride of White Lions which up until now have been extinct since the early 80's.

To learn more about the Global White Lion Protection Trust go to: www.whitelions.org

Drakenstein Lion Park

Over the last two years Wynter has been holding workshops at Paul Hart's Sanctuary for rescued lions. This is one of the few places in South Africa where no breeding or trading of Lion occur. Paul is truly dedicated to the welfare and care of these lions, each of whom he has rescued from horrific situations. Here they are able to live out their days in comfort and Sanctuary. The park is open to the public for visitors, but the wonderful thing here is that the lions have large areas with trees that they can rest under if they don't feel like engaging with humans. The love and respect that Paul has for them is phenomenal, and his is a wonderful project to support.

To learn more about Drakenstein Lion Park go to: www.lionrescue.org.za

Oceans of Africa

More recently Wynter has started working with Noel and Belinda Ashton, conservationists and marine mammal experts. Noel Ashton is an artist and uses his art to focus awareness on the threats to whales and dolphins in various programmes, all under the banner of Oceans of Africa, the conservation aspect of the Whale Studio. His knowledge of Whales and marine mammals lead to his involvement with Wynter's work and the recent "Wild Wisdom of the Whales",held in Hermanus in September 08. He has designed numerous exhibition and been involved with a number of Projects that work closely with and are supported by IFAW (international Fund for Animal Welfare)

To learn more about Noel and his amazing work go to: www.noelashton.com