Desert Lion Project- We need your help!

[Spikepretorius]

Thanks to Scott for kindly allowing me to post this thread!

The lions of the Namib Desert are facing extinction. The Desert Lion Project is a genuine conservation effort to protect and nurture the Namibian desert lions for future generations. To save them from extinction! There's no fancy offices and gravy train. These people live on a shoestring with the little support that they get from private individuals. The project is run using a very old clapped out Hilux with parts missing and a few Landrover panels rivitted on. These are the most dedicted conservationists that I have ever seen.

http://www.desertlion.info/

Here is a photo of the vehicle that they currently use to move amongst the lions in the desert for months at a time
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l163/DavidvB/12.jpg

The Land Cruiser Club of Southern Africa (LCCSA) have taken the initiative to raise funds to buy them a replacement double cab Land Cruiser. The WWF will further match our donation with a donation of $35 000 to the project provided we produce the goods and meet our obligation. Toyota SA will provide ZAR15 000 with a little smallprint. Apart from the two donations above, we need to raise ZAR350 000- ZAR400 000. ($44 000- $50 000)

Up to yesterday we had raised in the region of ZAR41 000 by way of member donations and online auctions. As only one example, I donated a bottle opener for auction and it went for ZAR7000! (the equivalent of a teachers monthly salary down here) There have been many similar fantastic bids. Each individual active member had voluntarily undertaken to pay in a minimum donation ZAR150 but most have been donating much more than that.

Last night the Cape Town members held an auction at the premises of R&D Offroad and raised a further ZAR18 000+. Only 25 of us there but the guys dug deep.

An indication of the generosity: A plastic fork from a fast food joint that was in my truck and accidently ended up on the bidding table got auctioned for ZAR100 then auctioned a second time for ZAR600.

This is the kind of spirit and generosity that is being shown to a fantastic cause that will help save the desert lions from extinction and preserve them for future generations. But we are still far from our goal of funding the vehicle. While the poor exchange rate makes our donations look tiny, in South African Rands (ZAR) terms the guys are donating huge amounts

If you or your company/business would like to contribute to this cause, any amount from $1-00 to infinity, you can make your donation here:

Land Cruiser Club - SA
Standard Bank of SA Ltd
Acc No: 022719997
Branch: Sandton
Branch code: 019205
Swift Code: SBZAZAJJ
For Beneficiary/Recipient reference please enter DLP- EXPO

Then send proof of payment to rbergh @ global.co.za so he can keep tab of donations eminating from this forum.
(and feel free to post your donation in this thread so we can see your generosity)

I challenge you! And thank you.

Expedition Portal will receive exposure. The combined total contribution coming from Expedition Portal will be acknowledged and published on the LCCSA site, on the Desert Lions site, as well as on the 4x4community.co.za site once the fundraising project is completed.

[Lynn]

You know, this may be a little off-the-wall, but I wonder what would happen if you auctioned off that truck on eBay?

I mean, you hear stories of people paying really outrageous amounts for really stupid stuff. If you had it on eBay.com.us, if nothing else it would give you yet another form of publicity for donations, and at best you might find several philanthropists who would compete for the chance to 'buy' it.

Of course, you would have to specify that they pay all shipping charges, etc., but a proper philanthropist may not even care to take possession of the truck once they've won it. Then again, they may want the truck as 'yard art' to show off their generosity. That truck certainly has character.

Just a thought. I wish you all the best in your efforts.

[Spikepretorius]

Now that is a brilliant idea. I'm going to make enquiries.:luxhello:

[Lynn]

You know, there are a lot of zoos, 'exotic wildlife ranches,' and such here in the US that have mock safari rides, drive-throughs, or exhibits.

Maybe you could suggest in your eBay ad that the winning philanthropist donate the truck to such an attraction, where it would make a really nice static display. It doesn't get any more authentic than that truck! Matter of fact, I think it would be a perfect addition to Disney World's Kilmanjaro Safari truck ride.

That way the philanthropist gets his name on a plaque, "donated by ...", and you could put the web site of the conservation group on the side of the truck, possibly generating ongoing donations.

I'm loving this idea, and just wish I were the philanthropist to make it happen.

[Spikepretorius]

Thanks for all the ideas. I've asked the LCCSA head honchos to query this with the desert lion guys to see if they don't already have it earmarked for something. It will take a little while because they are apparently out in the wilds at the moment.

But the wheels have already been put in motion.

Thanks again.

[Lynn]

By the way, I love your sig line.

Hmmm, does this truck have a diesel engine? It won't need it in a static display. Maybe I need to somehow become your US intermediary, and, um, 'hold' the truck while the winning bidder figures out where to display it...

[FlyNdrive]

I would actually bid for something like that. It would look good at the San Diego Zoo Wild Animal Park.

-Ben

[Martyn]

Spike, I know there are many of us who would like to make donations to the cause, but the cost of international wire transfers are high. Something like $35.00 per transaction.

What I suggest is we put together an auction here in the US, gather the proceeding up and wire the funds as one transaction. The funds can consist of individual donations as well as the money from the auction.

The items to be auctioned can come from individuals or companies. I don't mind setting up the logistics if people are interested.

[DaktariEd]

:iagree: with Martyn...
I'm in, but let's find a more efficient way to donate/transfer funds. Martyn's idea is sound.

http://www.geocities.com/daktaried/safari.gif

[Spikepretorius]

Guys, anything and everything is gratefully welcome. $35 a pop is a lot of cash to waste. I know our bank charges are exhorbitant but didn't realise it was so hectic from your side.

Just one thing please. The donation must still please come via the LCCSA and not directly to the project. There is apparently smallprint with the WWF and their donation is subject to us doing our side of the deal. They have a reciprocal arrangement that if we raise "X" they'll add "y". So if we don't make it then the deal falls flat.

All substantial donations we receive will get published so EXPO's contributions will not get lost in the pot. Just remember
For Beneficiary/Recipient reference please enter DLP- EXPO
Thanks for anything and everything


edit: In the meantime I'll try find out more about the WWF angle and what sort of deadline there is for us to produce the goods.

[DesertRose]

Spike, I know there are many of us who would like to make donations to the cause, but the cost of international wire transfers are high. Something like $35.00 per transaction.

What I suggest is we put together an auction here in the US, gather the proceeding up and wire the funds as one transaction. The funds can consist of individual donations as well as the money from the auction.

The items to be auctioned can come from individuals or companies. I don't mind setting up the logistics if people are interested.

Overland Journal is in - we'll donate an "Overland Field Kit" (subscription and goodies) for the auction, and if your timeline will fit, I'd love to run a photo of the old truck and the story of the Desert Lion Project and auction in the OJ Conservation Column for spring - but it won't ship til later in April.

[DesertRose]

Spike, I know there are many of us who would like to make donations to the cause, but the cost of international wire transfers are high. Something like $35.00 per transaction.

What I suggest is we put together an auction here in the US, gather the proceeding up and wire the funds as one transaction. The funds can consist of individual donations as well as the money from the auction.

The items to be auctioned can come from individuals or companies. I don't mind setting up the logistics if people are interested.

Why not set up an eBay 'store' and have a 2-week auction - those of us donating items provide you with the pictures and details.

Final amount can be transferred either by Paypal or by bank wire (latter would be cheaper since the price is same no matter how much you raise).

[Martyn]

Why not set up an eBay 'store' and have a 2-week auction - those of us donating items provide you with the pictures and details.

Final amount can be transferred either by Paypal or by bank wire (latter would be cheaper since the price is same no matter how much you raise).

That sounds interesting. Anyone ever set up an e bay store?

[Spikepretorius]

Thanks a lot guys. This is getting exciting.

The WWF guy will apparently be back in Namibia in the beginning of April so we'll confirm details regarding any time-constaints etc then.

Martyn I leave it in your capable hands. Thanks bud.


Rose thanks for the Pm. I'll get back to you about timing and pictures

[Martyn]

I've done some research on E Bay stores and it sounds do-able.

If you have something you would like to offer for auction please e mail me a picture, short description, where it's located, and price you think it may fetch. If it's included in the auction I'll e mail you back for more details.

If you do put something into the auction be ready to get e mails from me with peoples questions on the items and be ready to send me replies.

It would be nice if the items were new, I really don't want to deal with any junk that people are trying to off load.

Let's see if there is a large enough volume of items to justify opening a store.

If any of you are "experts" at this please donate your knowledge to me. I'll take care of the day to day stuff.

Let's get the ball rolling.

[DesertRose]

That's wonderful Martyn. I've set up an eBay store for African Conservation Fund - I'd be happy to help.

I'd suggest the administrator of the store (you?) posts the auction items after people send the pics, etc.

Then when the item is auctioned off, the administrator just lets the person who donated it know who to mail it to. We did that with a couple of the Adventure Raffle items and it worked great.

I would have the people who donate the items pay for the shipping of the items to the auction winner . . .it's a charity after all, and then you don't have to worry about sorting out the confusing postage thingy.

Clear as mud?

[Martyn]

That's wonderful Martyn. I've set up an eBay store for African Conservation Fund - I'd be happy to help.

I'd suggest the administrator of the store (you?) posts the auction items after people send the pics, etc.

Then when the item is auctioned off, the administrator just lets the person who donated it know who to mail it to. We did that with a couple of the Adventure Raffle items and it worked great.

I would have the people who donate the items pay for the shipping of the items to the auction winner . . .it's a charity after all, and then you don't have to worry about sorting out the confusing postage thingy.

Clear as mud?

Closer to thick coffee, rather than mud.

[Spikepretorius]

The Desert Lion site is back up and i've edited my first post.

[Spikepretorius]

Up date: The guys are cut off by flood so we'll have to wait before we can communicate with them again

Dear Adolf,
Just to let you know that my site is up and running again.
I am stranded north of the Hoaruseb - there has been some serious rain
and the rivers are in full flood.
I imagine that I'll be stranded here for many days before the water
levels drop enough to allow safe passage.
Till later,
Flip

(Flip = Dr Philip Stander)

[Superu]

It would allow for very low cost funds transfers from the US and the money can easily be transferred to the necessary bank account. Donors could even gross up their contribution to offset the relatively low PayPal seller's fees.

Keep us posted and keep up the great efforts!

[DaktariEd]

Excellent info on the lions...
Hopefully we can contribute something worthwhile to their efforts.

http://www.geocities.com/daktaried/safari.gif

[Martyn]

So far items to be auctioned are very limited. As in; Roseann has offered Overland Journal Subscriptions, AT will offer T shirts and sweat shirts. I will offer African Kikoys, but that's it.

So dig deep folks, see if you have something worthy of this cause. It's time for our membership to put their best foot forward.

If you are a vendor expect a phone call or e mail from me.

[DaktariEd]

How about back issues of some off-road magazines?
Or one of my Africa photos, nicely framed?
I'll think of some other stuff.

http://www.geocities.com/daktaried/safari.gif

[Martyn]

How about back issues of some off-road magazines?
Or one of my Africa photos, nicely framed?
I'll think of some other stuff.

http://www.geocities.com/daktaried/safari.gif

Ed

I'll take one of your amazing African photo's in a frame.

Thank you Sir.

[Mike S]

This seems like a thing we would like to contribute to...

I will see what we have that might fetch a good return.

Mike

[Spikepretorius]

Thanks guys. I'm keeping my fingers, thumbs and toes crossed. Hell, I'll even keep my leg crossed.
I hope you manage to get something together.

A little feedback from our side so far. At last count we had raised in the region of ZAR75 000. That's LCCSA and 4x4community.co.za combined.

It seems to be tapering off a bit so we're going to have to come up with some fresh ideas, but we're still optimistic.

[Angel?]

Spike, I know there are many of us who would like to make donations to the cause, but the cost of international wire transfers are high. Something like $35.00 per transaction.

What I suggest is we put together an auction here in the US, gather the proceeding up and wire the funds as one transaction. The funds can consist of individual donations as well as the money from the auction.

The items to be auctioned can come from individuals or companies. I don't mind setting up the logistics if people are interested.

Martyn,

If you give out an address to forward a check donation to this group, or a paypal account to do the same, I will get a donation to you for the cause.

I suspect there are others of us out there willing to do the same.

Thanks for your contribution to the effort!

Cheers,
Cal

[Martyn]

Martyn,

If you give out an address to forward a check donation to this group, or a paypal account to do the same, I will get a donation to you for the cause.

I suspect there are others of us out there willing to do the same.

Thanks for your contribution to the effort!

Cheers,
Cal

Cal

I'm still trying to pull this together, it's been a little slow with people away at EJS.

If you want to make a contribution in the form of a check please make it out to Adventure Trailers make a note in the memo section Desert Lion Fund. Send the check to;

Adventure Trailers
10830 Palisades Drive
Truckee
CA 96161

Donations for the raffle are starting to come in. So far we have a signed copy of the Oil & Water documentary made by Seth Warren It's an award winning film, see http://www.nrpw.com/Oil_+_Water_Welcome%21.html

My famous African Kikoys

AT's sort after T shirts and sweat shirts

Ed's framed African Picture

Overland Journal's International and domestic subscriptions

Other vendors are searching through their inventories for goodies.

Did I forget anything??

If you want to offer something please feel free. If you are in the service industry donating your time is a possibility. Artists could offer a logo design or T shirt design, computer people 1 hr online support, or donate some software, fabricators could offer custom widgets, the possibilities are endless.

I'm a little anxious to make sure we as a community can stand behind this and help out. I know Spike and his group in Southern Africa has done an outstanding job raising money for a new vehicle. Now it's our turn to come through with the goods.

Please do what you can to make this work.

[Angel?]

Cal

I'm still trying to pull this together, it's been a little slow with people away at EJS.

If you want to make a contribution in the form of a check please make it out to Adventure Trailers make a note in the memo section Desert Lion Fund. Send the check to;

Adventure Trailers
10830 Palisades Drive
Truckee
CA 96161

Donations for the raffle are starting to come in. So far we have a signed copy of the Oil & Water documentary made by Seth Warren It's an award winning film, see http://www.nrpw.com/Oil_+_Water_Welcome%21.html

My famous African Kikoys

AT's sort after T shirts and sweat shirts

Ed's framed African Picture

Overland Journal's International and domestic subscriptions

Other vendors are searching through their inventories for goodies.

Did I forget anything??

If you want to offer something please feel free. If you are in the service industry donating your time is a possibility. Artists could offer a logo design or T shirt design, computer people 1 hr online support, or donate some software, fabricators could offer custom widgets, the possibilities are endless.

I'm a little anxious to make sure we as a community can stand behind this and help out. I know Spike and his group in Southern Africa has done an outstanding job raising money for a new vehicle. Now it's our turn to come through with the goods.

Please do what you can to make this work.

Excellent - check is on its way! Thanks again!

[Ursidae69]

When does the raffle/auction start? I'll be trying to get that Oil and Water vid. :)

[Martyn]

When does the raffle/auction start? I'll be trying to get that Oil and Water vid. :)

Interesting question.

Do you think I should start the auction with the goods I have and add to the inventory of auction items as we progress? Or wait until we have a good selection of items in stock?

Never having done this before I'm shooting in the dark here.

By the way the Oil & Water DVD is amazing!!! The people in it are pro paddlers and they shoot some waterfalls that have never been run before pulling off 360's and spins as they descend. I watched the DVD with some hardcore local paddlers and they were blown away. Add that to the environmental side and you have a great movie.

[Ursidae69]

Interesting question.

Do you think I should start the auction with the goods I have and add to the inventory of auction items as we progress? Or wait until we have a good selection of items in stock?

Never having done this before I'm shooting in the dark here.

I have no idea, sorry, I was curious so I could make sure I'm around and can bid. :sombrero:

[Angel?]

Fellow Expo Portal Forum Members,

First - I have already written my check.

And a challenge. I will write another check to match someone's $50 donation, or two $25 donations.

Who can either make a $50 donation, or who with a friend can make two $25 donations?

Then who can match my challenge?

And Then who can match their challenge?

Let's keep this fund raising for a great cause rolling!

Cheers,
Cal

[DaktariEd]

How about this framed photo?
It's called, "Sentinel." Our Maasai guide in 2005.
I just happen to have a copy all ready to go....

http://www.geocities.com/daktaried/photos/Africa_0103.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/daktaried/safari.gif

[Spikepretorius]

At last count we have raised R112000. Ticking over.

[Spikepretorius]

Some feedback.
We've been making some headway and are now at the stage of looking for a vehicle to buy


Land Cruiser 79model Double Cab 4.5 EFi
Late Model, > 2004
Low Km's. Preferably ± 50 000km
No accidents!
Mint condition!
Preferred Colour: Beige, green or any other bush colour. No metallic!

We've also had a donation of a set of 6 new tyres, a full Iron Man suspension kit, as well as a fridge, all lined up waiting for the vehicle.

Things are taking shape.

[Spikepretorius]

http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smiley_beatin_horse_ani.gif
This fundraising effort is now closed. We managed to raise sufficient funds in South Africa to qualify for the grants from the WWF and Toyota SA.
We are now going ahead with purchasing and kitting out the vehicle.

A special thank you to the few members here who showed an interest.


Can a moderator please unstick this thread. Thanks.

[DaktariEd]

http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smiley_beatin_horse_ani.gif
This fundraising effort is now closed. We managed to raise sufficient funds in South Africa to qualify for the grants from the WWF and Toyota SA.
We are now going ahead with purchasing and kitting out the vehicle.

A special thank you to the few members here who showed an interest.


Can a moderator please unstick this thread. Thanks.

Thanks for your efforts....
Thread unstuck...

http://www.geocities.com/daktaried/safari.gif

[Martyn]

http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smiley_beatin_horse_ani.gif
This fundraising effort is now closed. We managed to raise sufficient funds in South Africa to qualify for the grants from the WWF and Toyota SA.
We are now going ahead with purchasing and kitting out the vehicle.

A special thank you to the few members here who showed an interest.


Can a moderator please unstick this thread. Thanks.

Spike

Congratulation, that is fantastic.

Sorry we were unable to generate sufficient backing on this end.

Many thanks to Roseann, DaktariEd, and Angel for your support.

[Spikepretorius]

For those that showed an interest here's an update on our progress:

We've bought the vehicle.
It's a 2004 Land Cruiser 79 DC (Camy Double cab Conversion) 4.5 EFI, Beige!
We're about to start the upgrades and modifications.

(translation: bak = truck bed)

Vehicle is currently equipped with the following:
Van der Linde Stage 1 Conversion (engine not touched, only chipped)
80 L Subtank ( too small)
RR with RTT on cab
BB with Warn M8000
Suspension Dobinson rear only, front std.
Spots on Bullbar
Rev Counter
Wood Steering wheel (Alfa type ? )
Roof console
Packing system
Water Tank 60L
Canvas Canopy with Alu structure underneath
Running boards
Hella Powerpoints on dash and in bak
Double Battery System
Anti Theft Immobiliser/Alarm
4 x 285/75/16 BFG AT and 1 x MT Spare (Make and size unknown)
Snorkel
Aircon

Problems found:
Steering wheel
Front Birfields leaking
Oil leak on rear sump section
Small dent in rear left door

We need to do the following to the vehicle:
1) Full Maintenance and minor repairs,
like front Birfields and either sump gasket or rear crankshaft seal leaking! Not sure.

Above can be done either in Jhg by a reputable dealer in Jhg ( ? ) or we take the vehicle down to Capetown for our JB to do the whole job. I prefer this, but once this has been done, we must decide on other equipment to be fitted there and in Gauteng! Transfer must not be time-consuming!

Small Dent on rear left door needs to be done, at Cammy's or other Panelbeater!

2) Changes or Improvements to be done:
Steering wheel needs to be changed to original
Alarm/Immobiliser needs to be removed completely (Request from Dr. Stander)
Bridge Plug to be obtained from VdLinde or Dastek for the Chip, in case of emergency
80L Subtank needs to be replaced by at least 150 l Tank
Dobinson rear to be replaced with Ironman or OME
Tyres and spare (2x) need to be Mud Terrain (Cooper or BFG, easy to get in NAM)
Double Battery System to be evaluated! (Jos ??)

3) New additional equipment: (My suggestion only)

Supplied at cost from 4x4 MW, fitment no charge:
ARB Winchbar with M10 winch from me in exchange for M8000!
ARB Lockers front and rear!
Full OME suspension, heavy duty with Steering damper (or Ironman at no costs, but with strings attached)
140l Excel Tank
Price complete: R 35 400.00

From IEF at cost, but I am still negotiating:
Rear Replacement bumper with two wheel carriers!

Au Canopy, either from Alu Cab or Desert Cool! Still to be finalised.
Canopy is needed to mount Solar Panels that he has already!

Fridge:
70L sponsored by Ockert!

Branding: Nick Walker sponsored this!
Our Branding should be on left and rightside of Bak, as I am very sure that those doors and bonnet might get missing in a few years.

We have a few Sponsorships, also mentioned above, but we need to evaluate each of them! Fast!

Please discuss here whether we should take
OME or Ironman?
Excel or Frontrunner Tank?
Cooper or BFG (Johan)

These are my thoughts and I will probably add more later as they come up. Other suggestions very welcome!

[Lynn]

Great news, Spike!

I still think you should do the auction for that old truck, though. That thing has some serious character.

[Spikepretorius]

The vehicle has been officially handed to us to proceed with upgrading it. The guy who sold it to us gave us a bargain.
I'll come back with updates as the project proceeds.
There's quite a list of mods in the pipeline.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/2479261484_eb2abd7068.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2111/2478446495_871e383598.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2479259432_75aaabc48b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/2478448163_c1481ea09f.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2185/2479257736_afd196f9bd.jpg

[DaktariEd]

Nice rig! :safari-rig:
You know, I'd trade my sister for that thing in a heartbeat! :sombrero:

http://www.geocities.com/daktaried/safari.gif

[gjackson]

Very very very cool truck! Heck I'd consider trading my 110 and my sister for it . . .

cheers

[Martyn]

Do you have to have a sister to get in on this deal?

[UK4X4]

I'll match your sister and up you a latino wife !

well maybe not as I enjoy having a truck chick.....:o

mmmm how about use of the swivel chair on fridays, secretary in stockings every wednesday and phazing in use of daughter by the year 2040


Is'nt this a Monty Python sketch ?

neat truck Spike.......looks ideal for the job.

[Spikepretorius]

Dr Flip (Philip) Stander doing his thing in the old vehicle

[DaktariEd]

Here kitty, kitty, kitty....niiiice kitty....:eatchicke

http://www.geocities.com/daktaried/safari.gif

[Spikepretorius]

Update: The Cape Town guys are finished their work on the Cruiser and it's soon going to be on it's way back to Joburg for the final kitting out. Full service front to back, everything including seals etc. Auxiliary batteries and wiring for laptops and satelite gizmos etc. Suspension and tyres.
It currently looks like this
http://www.landcruiserclub.co.za/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10320/dlp.jpg
The hand-over takes place at two functions. 20 June in Cape Town and 21 June in Pretoria. Dr Flip and his sidekick from the WWF will be there to give a talk on the work they do. He'll actually take delivery of the vehicle in Pretoria. It's a bit of a rush to get it finished because of a deadline with the 'free' import permit to get it into Namibia.

More photos to follow when the vehicle is finished.

[Spikepretorius]

Judging from a message he sent to a friend I reckon he needs the new vehicle quite badly

Ek sit nou al vir 4 dae in die middel van @&#$ nerens met 'n gebreekte agter as. 'n Pel van my sal seker Donderdag of Vrydag vanaf Swakop vertek met spaar parte. Of hy by my gaan kan uitkom is 'n ander storie, maar hy het wel by GPS posisie en ek hoop net hy kan 'n weg vind deur
die berge - ek sit 25 km vanaf die naaste tweespoor pad.
As jy op Google wil kyk: S 20.49494281, E 13.67959089
Gelukkig nog geen oos-wind nie.
Sien jou binnekort.
Flip

Translation:
I'm sitting here in the middle of #$%^&* nowhere with a broken rear axle. A friend will probably leave from Swakopmund on about thursday or friday with spare parts. If he'll get to me is another story but he's got my gps position and I hope he can find a way through the mountains- I'm sitting 25km from the nearest two-track road.
If you want to see on google: S 20.49494281, E 13.67959089
Luckily no easterly wind so far.
See you soon.
Flip

[UK4X4]

mmm the google satelite picks are pretty good for that location...shame they are not updated....as with that resolution we could see him..

Pretty remote even with the tracks nearby...I can't see any signs of human habitation......at all

[Spikepretorius]

Well, the good doctor got his new vehicle.
Fully kitted with storage system, auxiliary batteries, wiring for his radios and satelite tracking etc, water tanks, long-range fuel tanks, dual sparewheel carrier, ARB bullbar, OME suspension, air lockers front and back, etc etc etc. Apart from the kitting out, the vehicle was overhauled from front to back. Everything that looked remotely suspect was replaced, including a complete front axle. Ready for the desert!

Friday evening we had a function in Cape Town where Dr Stander came and spoke to us and showed us a slideshow presentation of his work. It's mind boggling. This man works 24/7 out in the desert. When he's not tracking lions through the night he's sitting with his laptop documenting his research, updating databases and creating slideshow presentations. 100% dedication. And been working like this for more than 20 years!

Saturday he flew to Pretoria and received his new vehicle. Saturday evening they had another function up there where he gave another slideshow presentation.

Sunday he drove his new prize possession to the airport. He flew back to Namibia and his new vehicle will be flown over in a couple of days.

While we realised that he does good work we had no idea just how hard he works. The Land Cruiser Club of Southern Africa have now decided to not just make this a one-off. We are going to continue supporting him.

He went from this.....
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s28/HennieK/4x4%20Stuff/H_samanab.jpg


to this........
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s28/HennieK/4x4%20Stuff/IMGP4910.jpg


Presenting his work
http://www.landcruiserclub.co.za/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10320/dlp3.jpg

Staring in awe as his new vehicle arrives
http://www.landcruiserclub.co.za/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10465/i_wonder_a.jpg

Getting his keys
http://www.landcruiserclub.co.za/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10465/keyhandover_a.jpg

Checking out his water and long-range tanks
http://www.landcruiserclub.co.za/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10465/inspection_underneath_a.jpg

Impromtu celebration with a bottle of bubbly
http://www.landcruiserclub.co.za/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10955/champagne.jpg
http://www.landcruiserclub.co.za/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10955/champagne_cork.jpg

The sponsors (WWF not depicted here. They have a big sticker on the door)
It's a great pity that ExPo's name is not here as well but a big thank you to those that showed interest.
http://www.landcruiserclub.co.za/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10049/dlp_img_0846.jpg
http://www.landcruiserclub.co.za/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10955/sponsors.jpg

[weezerbot]

Wow!!! What a great upgrade. I bet he is stoked. Looks like after 20 years in the wilderness with nothing but computers and lions he has that mad professor look going on!

Great work Spike! :bowdown:

[Spikepretorius]

Yeah he was a bit overwhelmed by the occasion. His first words were an apology for his lack of social skills due to being solo in the desert for so long.
He's a helluva nice man. Definitely the coolest person that I have met.

We still want to try follow up on the idea of auctioning his old vehicle. I chatted to him about it. He seemed heartboken at the thought of getting rid of it because it has served him for so long but the prospect of getting good bucks for it could make it worthwhile.

Oh yes, nearly forgot. We arranged for his sister to be at the function so there was a bit of a family reunion as well.

[Spikepretorius]

The Desert Lion site updated with news of the new vehicle
http://www.desertlion.info/news.html

[UK4X4]

he looks to be a cool character...the sites neat two.. I'll be waiding a good few work hours rumaging through there, some neat photos on a first fly through.

[gjackson]

Spike,

That is a very cool thing the club has done. Exceptional!

cheers

[Spikepretorius]

Some feedback after his first short trip

Dear Adolf,
I hope you had a good trip to Taiwan.
I have just returned from a week-long trip with the Cruiser. I worked in the area between the Springbok River and the Hoanib River and covered 1200 km over varied terrain from sand dunes to basalt rocks.
The Cruiser exceeded all my expectations. Most impressive was it's power; it's ground clearance, and the suspension. I used the ARB lockers with great effect on two occasions to get out of thick sand.
The petrol consumption is better than I expected, the Fini pump is a little gem, and the storage containers in the back are very useful.

A remarkable thing happened during the Cruiser's first introduction to the desert lions. I located a group of eight lions in the Agab River and approached them cautiously. The Cruiser idled along quietly in low-range and I was able to approach to within 50 metres of the lions.
I sat observing them for about 20 minutes when, to utmost my surprise, they got up and walked towards me. They came right up to the Cruiser (some of the sub-adults were less than a metre away) and then lay down all around the vehicle for almost two hours. As it got dark the adult lionesses started stalking a herd of mountain zebras in the distance, but the younger lions stayed with the Cruiser, and when I left they followed the vehicle for little while. It was an unforgettable experience. Sadly I could not capture any of this on film because it was totally unexpected and my cameras were not at hand (I must still rig the inside of the vehicle).

After the first excursion into the desert I am most impressed with the vehicle. Not only will it fill the shoes of Hagar, but with all the modifications and accessories I believe that the Land Cruiser will take the Desert Lion Project to new levels.

Kind regards,
Flip

http://www.landcruiserclub.co.za/cms/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10049/cr_leatherb.jpg
Looks like he might need an extra leaf at the back or maybe air helper springs

[Spikepretorius]

Can a moderator please edit the title to remove "we need your help" and then nuke this post. Thanks

[UK4X4]

Spike,

get the title changed, but keep the post

there are some of us that take an interest to things outside are local area..

I'm hitting the middle east to work......so africa is way close.......our first
trip outside the work zone will be kenya / Tanzania...to show the wife real LARGE animals in the wild

agree....he needs an add a leaf of airbags in the rear...he's dragging big time....

[Spikepretorius]

I just meant the post where I was asking for a title change.
I reckon "we need your help" may be keeping people away from reading this thread.

[oldcj5guy]

Please don't kill the post. I just fell into it today and read it from start to stop. I'm sure there are others that will follow that will find it interesting it will in turn lead them over to the desert lion page.

Great job for an awesome cause.

[Spikepretorius]

Definitely not killing the post. just not begging for help anymore.

By the way over the last couple of days there was a major setback.
Some livestock got attacked and the local authorities issued a licence to shoot two lions. Dr Flip pleaded with them to leave a specific lion that he had been monitoring for years but alas, they shot it. Very disturbing.
Check his site. It's listed under "News". The guy is devastated.