Longleat and Steve are committed to conservation and his show was an opportunity to support Tusk which funds projects across Africa to conserve habitats, educate communities on how to live side by side with wild animals and support breeding programmes. Seats at Steve’s Live at Longleat shows were booked with a £1 per person booking fee with Longleat committing to give all proceeds to Tusk. The figure is set to be doubled as part of Tusk’s Wildlife Ranger Challenge campaign due to a match funding initiative. The Challenge aims to raise $3m to support 10,000 rangers in more than 70 protected areas across 22 African countries.
Darren Beasley, Head of Animal Operations at Longleat, said: “We raised a fantastic £26,331 which is an incredible amount in just nine days.
“We are really grateful to all the people who supported the event as they are contributing to the huge difference which Tusk is making.
“Many of the animals who call Longleat home are under threat in the wild so our support for our charity partners is helping preserve the species for future generations. Tusk’s work helps protect over 40 species including elephants and rhinos,” he added.
Steve said he was pleased to be able to support Tusk through his half-term residency at Longleat.
“I’ve been passionate about the wild world since I was a child and this event was a great opportunity to both inspire people about nature as well as funding conservation work which is so vital if we are to ensure wildlife is protected for future generations.
“We had an absolute ball despite the mixed weather which didn’t dampen the spirits of the crowds.
“From the wonderful Aplomado falcon, hovering and soaring to the sheer size of Tarik the wolf dog, we were able to introduce people to animals they may never otherwise get to see.
“It’s been fantastic to see everyone’s enthusiasm for the natural world matching mine and that of the Longleat keepers,” he added.
Charlie Mayhew OBE, co-founder of Tusk, said he was thrilled to have the continued support of Longleat for their conservation work across Africa.
“We are also enormously grateful to Steve Backshall for his part in helping to raise such a fantastic amount for the charity’s Wildlife Ranger Challenge campaign.
“This initiative is supporting the vital work and livelihoods of thousands of brave men and women who act as guardians of our natural world, protecting the endangered species and habitats that are so integral to preserving biodiversity for our planet.
“I am delighted that the funds raised and donated by Longleat and Steve will be doubled through a generous match fund we have available for this campaign and thereby also doubling the impact of this wonderful donation," he added.
A series of videos with Lord and Lady Bath, whose family have lived at Longleat since the 16th century and the founder of Tusk Charlie Mayhew OBE can be found on Longleat’s website which highlight the work of the charity and the partnership with Longleat.
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