THE EVENING INCLUDED

Upon arrival, drinks in hand, guests were invited to see the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition before moving into the iconic Earth Hall to listen to Pelorus Co-Founder Geordie’s welcome speech.

We had an incredible and captivating keynote speech by Monty Halls, a former Royal Marines Officer and qualified marine biologist who has embarked on a series of expeditions around the globe. From taking the first-ever underwater photograph of a rare crocodile species in Belize to the discovery of a sunken city off the cost of Tamil Nadu in India, he’s broken ground in his field. His latest project – Generation Sea Change – saw him sail along the south coast of the UK with his two young children, exploring community-based marine conservation projects and innovators. He did this voyage with his two young children.

Special guests of the evening included our host Di Stewart, a beloved figure of our TV screens for over 20 years, and our auctioneer Tom Best, a former Christie’s auctioneer who has raised over £15 million in over 230 international charity auctions in 12 countries.

FUNDS RAISED FROM THIS EVENT HELP SUPPORT VITAL CONSERVATION WORK

Through the silent and live auctions, as well as the raffle, we raised an incredible amount for Pelorus Foundation’s life-saving efforts. We’re on a mission to safeguard our environment alongside African communities. Current projects in conjunction with our local partners include:

• Safeguarding Namibia’s pangolins from brutal poaching for lucrative, illegal Asian trade. The pangolin, the world’s most trafficked mammal is now at risk of extinction. Already in 2023, we have helped ensure the rehabilitation back into the wild of 19 pangolins successfully rescued from poachers by local wildlife crime forces.

• Empowering fearless African Field Rangers with specialised training in South Africa, Zambia and the DRC. Rangers stand as the last line of defence against ruthless poachers who spare no mercy for them or their families. To date, we have already helped train over 200 rangers working in some of the most challenging environments.

• Preserving Kenya’s marine biodiversity, shielding endangered sea turtles, reviving coral life through innovative ocean gardening, and nurturing sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities. One key achievement this year has been the signing of a new community agreement for the ongoing safeguarding of the local marine protected area.

Please join hands with us for a better planet.