DGR COMMUNITY UPDATE
PROTECTING NATURE, ONE LESSON AT A TIME DGR COMMUNITY
DGR COMMUNITY
insects to the mighty Big 5, and to equip them with the knowledge they need to safely interact with wildlife.
Instead of fearing these misunderstood reptiles, the awareness day focused on teaching students how to react calmly and safely when they come across one.
with wildlife safely and respectfully. The more children understand about wildlife, the more likely they are to protect it. By engaging with young minds at Rethabile Primary School, Dinokeng Game Reserve and Dino Kazi Crafts planted the seeds of conservation awareness that will hopefully grow into a lifelong respect for nature. As these children go home and share what they learned with their families, the impact of this initiative will extend beyond the classroom, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire community. After all, protecting our wildlife starts with education - and the future of conservation lies in the hands of the next generation.
Poaching is a major threat to South Africa’s wildlife, but conservation isn’t
Here are some key takeaways:
just about protecting endangered animals, although that is a big and very important part, it’s about maintaining the delicate balance of the entire ecosystem.
• Stay Calm – Most snakes are not aggressive and will not attack unless provoked. • Do Not Run or Make Sudden Movements – Back away slowly to give the snake space. Catch It – Many bites happen when people try to handle snakes. • Never Try to Kill or professionals who can safely remove and relocate the snake. • Be Aware of Common Hiding Spots – Snakes often seek shelter in cool, dark areas like piles of wood, tall grass, or under rocks. By arming children with knowledge rather than fear, they are now better prepared to coexist • Inform an Adult Immediately – Teachers or parents can contact
The children of Rethabile Primary learned that every
creature plays a role in nature. Snakes control rodent populations, insects help pollinate plants, and even scavengers like hyenas contribute to a healthy environment by cleaning up carcasses. By understanding these connections, there’s a new appreciation for why poaching, even at a small scale, can have devastating consequences. Living near a game reserve means that encountering a snake is a real possibility.
Dinokeng Game Reserve & Dino Kazi Crafters Bring Anti- Poaching Awareness to Rethabile Primary School.
For the children of Rethabile Primary School, nature isn’t just something they read about in books - it’s right outside their classroom windows. Nestled on the border of Dinokeng Game
Reserve, their school frequently experiences visits from wildlife, from slithering snakes to wandering antelope. But with great proximity to nature comes great responsibility, and that’s why Dinokeng Game
Reserve and Dino Kazi Crafts joined forces to host an anti-poaching awareness day at the school. The goal? To teach children about the importance of all animals, from the tiniest
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