About me and my project:
My name is Sebastien Rombi, and I am a french national (born and bred in Gabon, Central Africa) who has been living in South Africa for the past 10 years. I am a qualified wildlife film maker having gained my qualification through the Wildlife Film Academy four years ago.
I have worked on a host of wildlife films, such as Swimming Scared, The Gosa Gang by Wildearth TV, and Dragon 3D - A Foster Brothers Film.
I was also based as a camera operator, 3D editor and presenter for live Safaris broadcast on Wildearth.tv in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa for 2 years.
In July last year, I relocated with my fiance and daughter to the Garden Route, just outside Plettenberg Bay, and an incredible opportunity has presented itself. which I hope to film and take out to the world.
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a sanctuary that homes large wild cats, African Wild Dogs, Hyena's, snakes and Zebras, is currently situated outside Mossel Bay, approximatley 150km from Plettenberg Bay.
The animals at the sanctuary have been confiscated from hunting operations, circus's, and also over populations from zoos. Without organizations like Jukani these animals would have most probably been put down. Jukani has created a retirement village for their wildlife.
The sanctuary is in the process of moving their operation to a better location very close to where I am based.
The reason to relocate Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary and all their creatures is due to the following reasons:
- The new shareholders have two other very successful sanctuaries, Monkeyland (a santuary specifically for Monkeys and Lemurs) and Birds of Eden (Birds only) and they would like their operations to be close together for easy management and tourism purposes.
- The current premises of Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary is very close to a plant called Mosgas, which is a petrol plant. The long term affects of the petrol fumes may become hazardus to the animals at the sanctuary.
- The current premises is also not ideal in the fact that there are hardly any trees, therfore no shade, and it has bad access as a tourist attraction from main roads.
The move is going to be the best thing for the sanctuary and all the animals involved, from a tourism and a health point of view.
I am running this campaign in order to raise funds to be able to film and create a 1 hour documentary about the translocation of the animals of Jukani. The film will cover the building of the new site, habituating the cats to their translocation crates, the actual move of all the animals and them settling into their new enclosures.
My aim is for my documentary film to be broadcast on wilflife focused channels, such as Animal Planet or National Geographic Wild to create awareness of the plight of Africas big cats. By you contributing to my campaign, you will be assisting me in taking the message of wildlife conservation and sanctuary organisations to the world, and shouting about the good and educational work that they do. Without organizations like this, Africa would be a very different place.
My passion for wildlife film making is my way of life, and you will be able to see my exceptional camera and editing skills on my Youtube channel -
http://www.youtube.com/user/sebastienrombi
Why I need your help?
Your contribution to my funding will go towards petrol expenses, equipment costs, freelance cameraman recruitment and a small amount towards accommodation costs when I need to be at the old site.
The more money I can raise the better my chances to make a world class documentary that will be channel broadcast quality. It is a modest amount considering that similar projects cost substantially more.
What will you get from helping us:
By contributing to my project, you will receive one of the following 'perks' in return for your funding.
$25.00 - Your name engraved forever in the credits of Operation Jukani.
$50.00 - A photo of one of the beautiful big cats of Jukani taken by Sebastien Rombi and posted to you directly, as well as your name engraved forever in the credits.
$100.00 - A DVD of the 1 hour documentary posted directly to you, as well as your name engraved forever in the credits.
$250.00 - A complimentary Jacuzzi and Sauna session sponsored by my fiance's stunning guest house, Trogon House and Forest Spa, which is situated approximatley 10km from the new Jukani site. As well as your name engraved forever in the credits.
$600.00 - A two night stay for two people at my fiance's stunning guest house, Trogon House and Forest Spa,which is situated 10km from the new Jukani site. The stay includes accommodation for two nights including breakfast only, and is subject to availablity. As well as your name engraved forever in the credits. If you are going to be in the area, then we will also gladly throw in a complimentary visit to the new Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary.
We are serious about our thank-you perks. My fiance has agreed to sponsor these awesome packages as this is her way of contributing to what she believes is a very worthy cause.
If you cant contribute funds:
If you are unable to donate cash to my project, please help us by shouting out about me and Operation Jukani. Please share our link to this campaign on your social media sites, and 'SHOUT' about it to friends, family and anyone who feels as passionate about Africa's big cats and wildlife as I do.
