About us



Friends of Metsi is a community driven awareness campaign in proud support of the Clive Walker Foundations Waterberg Living Museum and their rhino METSI. 

 

The project proudly partners with StopRhinoPoaching.com in its efforts to raise awareness of the plight of the rhino.  Friends of Metsi also works in support of StopRhinoPoaching.com's Schools For Rhino Campaign in the region





All funds raised in the course of the campaign are in support of METSI.



Metsi

Metsi is an eight year old black rhino.  An orphan due to poaching - he was raised by the Walkers at the Waterberg Living Museum.  After being released  back into the wild, he was attacked and severely injured by another rhino bull.  Although he survived his injuries, he is no longer strong enough to survive on his own in the wild.   He has since become an ambassador for his species and has touched the lives of thousands of people,  especially children.  With the completion of the Waterberg Living Museums new facility he will be able to continue his work as ambassador for his species raising awareness of the plight rhinos face today.

Farayi in his studio

In support of Metsi and the Walker Foundation and with the generous support of local businesses, a very talented wire duo at a local craft project - the little shoppe -  built a life size wire version of Metsi.  Working from a detailed wax sculpture by Wildlife Bronze Sculptor and conservation chopper pilot John Bassi and using measurements taken by Anton Walker of the Waterberg Living Museum - the very talented wire artist - Farayi Mukonde - took on the task of shaping Wetsi - the Wire Metsi.

Farayis Design Board

Wetsi's work is two fold.  One part is to attend events and functions to create awareness and where possible raise funds for the care of Metsi.  Small grey ribbons are sold for a minimum donation of R5 and tied to his body.  Red ribbons (for a minimum donation of R1500) are tied to his horns.  Businesses are encouraged to make a donation to the Walker Foundation and are then able to show their support for our rhinos on a public forum with images taken with Wetsi at their place of business.



Wetsi @ the Greene Faire in Houtbay
Foto courtesy of Mandala Art - Hermanus

In support of StopRhinoPoaching.com's Schools for Rhino Campaign, Wetsi works with learners and teachers to help them start their own awareness campaign.  They are encouraged to enter the Rhino Ambassador competition, where winners will stand a chance to spend the day with a real rhino.  The competition is judged on originality, practical implementation and impact.

 To keep the project moving forward we are always grateful for your support in any form possible.  From volunteers who drive Wetsi to venues, man stalls, printed material, airtime, hugs and love - we are grateful.  To get involved or for more information - please do not hesitate to contact Alda on 073-231-7445 or at alda@whalemail.co.za   

Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-Metsi/333197736702018?ref=tn_tnmn

Links to our parters:
http://www.livingmuseum.co.za/
http://www.stoprhinopoaching.com/

this project has been made possible by the generous support of the following local businesses:
http://www.percytours.com/
http://www.southernrightcharters.co.za/
http://www.cocosrestaurant.co.za/
http://www.rossouwmodern.co.za/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fabios-Ristorante-Hermanus/101331643267573?sk=wall#!/profile.php?id=100000913674965