Conservation is a family business

Sandra Windisch writes about the Oelofse family and the continuation of a proud legacy in conservation.

Many articles have been written about Jan Oelofse, his method, his work, his legacy. So how could I make sure this is not just another article on the world-renowned conservationist and game capturer? By shifting the focus to his wife, Annette Oelofse, her son and to the next generation.

What the black polo-neck was for Steve Jobs, a leather hat and boots is for Annette. No one has seen her without it.

Namibia's conservation landscape has Annette, the Rhino Whisperer – firmly on the map. Always by Jan’s side, she was his wing(wo)man, in more ways than one. Looking into the life and work of this fascinating matriarch, Annette is rigorous when it comes to her calling to conserve endangered species and has led manyprojects, even relocating elephants to Central Africa. Often her grandchildren are part of such a commotion, buzzing around – not frightened at all – between darted elephants, 40 ft trucks and things-with-wings.

How do they say? Teach 'em young.

Somewhere on a quaint terrace at Mount Etjo. I can just picture Jan rolling his eyes at this journalist afraid of spiders. An overseas author was flown to Mount Etjo many years ago, as Jan was keen to make all his stories heard. After countless interviews and then reading the script Jan was disappointed as he felt the author had not captivated the would-be readers. Another author was flown in. This time around Jan’s excitement was already on the unexcited level. Suffice to say, that visit turned into a disappointment as well. Finally Annette gave in, saying she would compile and gather all the life experiences, as she was always there and knew exactly what and how it needed to be said. Two years and lots of hard work later, Capture to be free was released and became an instant international bestseller. The greatest thing about it is: Jan got to see his achievements in a great book, set for many generations to learn from and aspire to.

When observing Annette you get the feeling that she has a deep love affair with Africa, that she is right where she ought to be, with her rhinos, feeding the young and fragile ones five times a day.

And at 6 am sharp, Annette is cleaning the lodge’s pool, as she is pedantic about it being sparkling clean. This makes for some interesting conversations with lodge guests, who can’t believe their luck.

The sudden death of Jan Oelofse in 2012 was a shock and a deeply felt setback for the Oelofse family, the teams at Mount Etjo and the Rhino Sanctuary.

Suddenly Annette seemed alone in her endeavours, but not quite: Carola and Alex quickly rose to accept responsibility for the operations and projects. Annette and Jan’s son, Alex, is tall, handsome and humble. At his side, his creative wife Carola looks like a younger version of Annette, the resemblance nothing short of striking.

This is a glimpse into a typical day in their life: Alex, who is a mechanical engineer, wakes up at the crack of dawn to go out with his helicopter and look for an injured rhino on the neighbouring farm. Soon afterwards the Mini-Hataris Jan and Keira are wide awake, requesting entertainment the whole day long. In between feeds, cookingand lodge visits, Carola also bakes a three-tier cake with them, in a way we would bake pre-mixed cupcakes.

Some days the children are just with Alex, from sunrise to sunset. In the workshop, in the field, on the back of a bakkie, halfway up a wind pump, flying the plane themselves if they could.

During most afternoons a private tutor comes in for the kids from Mount Etjo Private School, which the children will attend from 2022. Their lessons give Carola time to attend to bookings and logistics and before it’s dinner, bath and off to bed the kids join their dad fixing a broken water pump out in the field. You would expect mom to fall straight into bed, but no, she starts painting wildlife pictures! And at 23h00 a distraught camper calls because he can’t find the light switch at his ablution.

I asked Carola why she doesn’t have an online store for her artwork, to sell it to overseas clients for lots of money. She said that is a good idea, she will sell them for lots of money to give to Annette for her rhinos.

Looking at little Jan, walking around in his boots and hat, cat in arm, wildly explaining something about the kudu at the waterhole just a few metres away – you realise that passing on Jan Oelofse’s name to his first grandchild is a blessing and not a burden. At his young age, Jan seems eager to follow the footsteps and fill the large shoes, one day, one elephant song at a time.

Sandra Windisch