PRESS RELEASE
A technology business has stepped up to help fund the acquisition of additional aircraft for the protection of endangered elephants and rhinos in Southern Africa.
Group Elephant, a multinational services and software firm, has issued a $250,000 Matching Challenge Grant — pledging to release $250,000 of funding if the nonprofit Elephants, Rhinos & People can raise $250,000 from donors by February 28, 2026.
“Meeting the challenge will accelerate the growth of the ERP Air Wing and directly support the protection of elephants and rhinos across Southern Africa,” said Quintin Smith, a director of the nonprofit.
“But we must raise $250,000 from the aviation and conservation communities to release Group Elephant’s $250,000,” he continued.
ERP took delivery of its first airplane, a CubCrafters NX Cub at EAA AirVenture last summer. If successful, the challenge grant will fund the acquisition of additional aircraft and infrastructure in Namibia, where ERP oversees large tracts of conservation land serving as safe havens for highly endangered desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos.
“The challenge grant will double the impact of donor dollars and help us unlock critical resources needed for aerial anti-poaching surveillance and herd monitoring in Namibia,” said Tom Haines, ERP Air Wing Project Lead.
Demand for consistent aerial patrols across Namibian wildlife corridors is pressing.
“Elephants and rhinos face unprecedented, existential danger. Aerial surveillance can powerfully augment ground-based protection of wildlife,” Smith noted.
“We are appealing to aviation enthusiasts and conservationists to help meet this match by making a tax-deductible gift or pledge before February 28, 2026,” Smith continued. “Please help us secure Group Elephant’s $250,000, in pursuit of a powerful, enduring shield for endangered wildlife.”