THE N/A’AN KU SÊ FOUNDATION Meet Marlice van Vuuren, the girl who was born to love the Namibian bush and dedicate her life to the conservation of the magnificent animals and people who make this “Land God made in Anger” the unique country that it is. Marlice grew up surrounded by the orphaned and injured animals on her parents’ farm where, for more than 30 years, all creatures in need of desperate care have found a haven and the loving touch they so desperately need. Together with Rudie van Vuuren and invaluable friends, she founded the N/a’an ku sê Lodge and Wildlife Sanctuary in 2006, Namibia’s only charity lodge - a place where the conservation of wildlife, landscapes and cultures are closely interlinked. The N/a’an ku sê Sanctuary is a paradise nestled deep in the bush, where orphaned animals are raised with dedication, their natural needs being carefully considered, tending away from the feeling of “captivity” – instead creating an environment where their instinctive behaviours are nurtured and encouraged. Only those carnivores too ill, abused or habituated remain at the sanctuary that is N/a’an ku sê. This is done purely for their safety and survival chances. The release of the powerful cats, both
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cheetahs and leopards, forms a top priority at N/a’an ku sê – “returning wildlife to the wild” being the mantra that forms the backbone of our projects. www.naankuse.com N/a’an ku sês’ on-site research team constantly accumulates vital data in the continued effort to reduce human-wildlife conflict. N/a’an ku sê passionately believes that landowners and large carnivores can co-exist in Namibia. Natural release sites are becoming fewer and fewer, with farmland taking over much of this arid country. Free-roaming cheetahs and leopards form an integral part of this intensive research, with these wild cats being trapped, collared, released and tracked – giving us the chance to share their behaviour and movements with concerned landowners. The program is hugely successful and gaining popularity with landowners all across Namibia. N/a’an ku sês’ story and all of Namibia’s conservation efforts are being screened on national television - a long awaited moment. Conservation and sustainability efforts within our beautiful yet fragile environment are being voiced and addressed publicly. The aim? To spread awareness and inspire the younger generations to fill those vital gaps in the world of conservation.
... so much more than just a sanctuary. N/a’an ku sê embodies passion, vision and innovation; makes dreams come true, saves lives and adds value to the same, whether it be humans or animals. After enjoying immense popularity and achieving phenomenal ratings in our neighbouring country, South Africa, with the television series “Groen Namibia”, the creators of this innovative series, Rudie and Marlice van Vuuren, brought the successful TV franchise to our very own shores, showcasing Namibia’s incredible conservation efforts on NBC1. This Namibian Breweries sponsored series, Wild Jobs Namibia, stars Rudie and Marlice, and sees them meeting those passionate and dedicated individuals who are steeped in the world of Namibian conservation. A personal touch, emphasizing the beauty, ingenuity and sheer perseverance of Namibia’s conservation heroes, has made “Wild Jobs Namibia” a viewing gem. Desert Rain Films, closely linked to the N/a’an ku sê Foundation and exceedingly proud to be in a position to support the vital conservation efforts that this foundation embodies, embraced the chance to facilitate the fascinating, sometimes arduous, yet wholly gratifying filming experience.