WildVeld Safaris (PTY) LTD /Misner’s Response

A Word of Thanks
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who stood by us through this difficult time. It’s hard to overstate the damage a single false social media post can cause—to both individuals and the organizations they represent. Without legal recourse, we would have had no meaningful way to set the record straight. Fighting battles on social media is a losing game for all involved. Thankfully, through the litigation process, we were able to defend ourselves against these harmful falsehoods.
 
We have been deeply moved by the outpouring of support from conservationists, NGOs, government authorities, concerned patrons, and the communities we’ve long worked with. We especially wish to recognize the Namibia Conservation Defense Trust for standing with us when it mattered most. Their support and guidance were invaluable. It is reassuring to know that this free resource is available to others who may face similar attacks in the future.

Sadly, social media is increasingly being weaponized to vilify those who champion sustainable utilization and the mitigation of human-wildlife conflict—both of which are legitimate and essential pillars of Namibia’s conservation model. Government officials and NGO staff are being harassed and threatened simply for doing their jobs: enforcing the conservation laws of our country.

This is the unfortunate reality of conservation today. We must not only protect wildlife and uphold the law—we must also endure public attacks from critics who often speak from a distance, with little understanding of the facts on the ground. Fortunately, with stronger coordination, greater awareness of legal remedies, and improved access to representation, those targeted by such attacks now have the tools to defend their integrity and continue their
work.

To all our former conservancy partners and long-time supporters: please know that I remain undeterred by these events. I am as committed as ever to supporting rural communities and those who continue the vital, community-based conservation work we began together.

Let us stay focused on what truly matters: Namibia’s remarkable wildlife heritage and conservation success. And let us remain united in the fight—to protect it, to defend it, and to ensure it thrives for generations to come.

All the Best,
 
Urgent Announcement

Date: 01 January 2024
Subject: Closure of WildVeld Safaris Pty Ltd
Distribution: WildVeld Partner Conservancies

    As most of you are aware by now, WildVeld Safaris and Mark Misner have been falsely implicated in a MEFT cull hunt that took place in October of this year. Unfounded accusations, leveled by Mr. Isak Smit of the Voluntary Association Desert Lions Human Relations Aid (DeLHRA) through social media, have led to the defamation of our good works and relationships with our partner communities. These misguided and misinformed anti-hunting activists have made it impossible for WVS to continue the funding of our conservation work in the Kunene. It is with great sadness that we have been forced to end our eight-year and multimillion-dollar investment in wildlife conservation for the benefit of our partner Conservancies. 

    We have made our final monthly conservation payments to our partner communities and will retrench our staff and cease all operations. For those of you who are losing their jobs, we are truly grateful for all of your tireless dedication to wildlife conservation, and we are devastated that we are parting ways. We live in an unfortunate time where negative social media attacks instantly lead to defamation and destruction. Across Africa, uninformed and misguided activists are causing great harm to conservation efforts, and unless we all stand up against them, this will continue. 

    To this end, we will fight for the truth and restore the reputations of MEFT, the conservancies, and NGOs who are making a difference in Namibia to protect ALL wildlife, as well as Namibia’s rural culture. We pray that in our absence, others will fill the void and preserve the legacy we leave behind. 

    Please share this information with others. We will be addressing Mr. Smit’s accusations through the courts and through social media. Please direct all interested parties to WildVeldSafarisNamibia.com for our side of the story and updates on our response to and action against Mr. Smit. 

    Thank you for all that you have done for us, and we pray that this unfortunate event does not deter you from your mission and dedication to wildlife conservation! 

We Stand Together, 

Management
WildVeld Safaris Pty Ltd

WildVeld Safaris (PTY) LTD • PO Box 427 Klein Windhoek • Namibia
WildVeldSafaris.com • +264.81.652.2525 • [email protected]
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