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Meet some of the main staff working on the UmPhafa Reserve: |
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Mike Wood
Mike Wood has been with UmPhafa from the very beginning and was in fact here before the reserve. The Wood's have lived and farmed the area for generations and so you would be hard pushed to find anyone who knows the area better. With a life-long passionate interest in the conservation of wildlife, Mike moved away from farming and took the position of farm manager with his own farm of Geluk now comprising part of UmPhafa.
A fluent Zulu speaker, Mike coordinates all of the maintenance staff in the construction of fences and infrastructure. He oversees all of the security issues and plays a valuable role alongside Liam and Doreen in the monitoring and management of UmPhafa's wildlife. |
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Doreen Kruger
Raised in a merino wool farming family in the karoo, Doreen Kruger travelled to the UK where she worked for two years as a keeper at Colchester Zoo. Shortly after returning to South Africa in 2007, she began working at UmPhafa and helps to coordinate the anti-poaching patrols of the game guards as well as handling the majority of the administration at the reserve, dealing with the application for species introduction permits.
Having the animal equivalent of 'green-fingers', Doreen often cares for the various injured or abandoned animals that are rescued from the reserve and surrounding area. She is currently studying part-time for a BSc in Zoology and Microbiology. |
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Liam Westall
Liam Westall is the newest member of the team, joining the reserve in August 2009. Despite originally hailing from Essex, UK, Liam has always had a fascination with Africa and after studying Environmental Science at the University of Sheffield travelled extensively throughout the continent to participate in and carry out his own research projects on wildlife.
As project coordinator on UmPhafa, he works closely with the game guards in the field and is responsible for the undertaking of all scientific research projects in order to monitor the wildlife and vegetation of UmPhafa. He also oversees the volunteer programme currently running on the reserve. |
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Michael Mabaso
Michael Mabaso is the head game guard at UmPhafa and is a much valued and essential member of the team. Alongside the other game guards, Michael is responsible for undertaking anti-poaching patrols and game counts to ensure the safety and well being of the inhabiting species. Born nearby to the reserve, Michael worked as a goat herder as a very small boy and was forced to 'bunk-off' work so that he could attend school.
His bush skills, sharp eyes and knowledge of the local area are invaluable to the running of the reserve. Michael is currently undertaking a game ranging course as part of his duties on UmPhafa. |
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