Mantis backs Jessop 650km run for rhinos

World record holder, ultra-endurance athlete and conservationist, Sharon Jessop, set off on 22 September 2021, World Rhino Day, from Mantis Founders Lodge to undertake a 650km run and anticipates being on the road for 21 full days to remind South Africans that both the tourism industry and rhinos are equally endangered.
Sharon is running through several Eastern Cape game reserves, including Mantis Founders Lodge, Kariega and Sibuya Game Reserves. The run starts from Mantis Founders Lodge, where it all began for wildlife conservation and tourism in the Eastern Cape due to Adrian Gardiner’s ambitious task to rewild the region to what it once was.
Fuelled by the dire state of tourism and particularly rhino conservation in Jessop’s home province of the Eastern Cape, Sharon is taking on the challenge to run a gruelling 650km over 21 days as her contribution to the “OLLIMove” for the One Land Love It (OLLI) Foundation. The primary aim of this undertaking is to raise awareness and money for those most impacted by the extended lockdowns.
‘’Our rhino were endangered prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, and the extended lockdown has ultimately exacerbated an already tenuous situation.” states Sharon emphatically.
“The Eastern Cape is an undiscovered gem that has so much to offer in the way of tourism. By supporting local, South Africans are saving businesses, creating jobs, sustaining entire families and protecting those who can’t speak for themselves: our rhino.” Sharon continues.
Continuing to create awareness around World Rhino Day, Mantis is presenting a unique package which allows guests to take part in an unforgettable, hands-on safari experience, focused on Rhino Conservation in South Africa, 26 - 29 October 2021.
With its rich history in conservation and an unpretentious feel of complete luxury, this action-packed 3 night/ 4-day experience will take place at Mantis Founder’s Lodge.
A special mention to our friends at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay who, through our foundation, CCFA, have donated funds for our drought relief campaign. The Eastern Cape, where Mantis Founders Lodge is located, has experienced a crippling drought over the last few years and the wildlife in the area have been seriously impacted.