Workout4Wildlife 2023: Rise to the Challenge & Support Rhino Conservation
Written by Zeldi Smulders
Ready to get pumped for making a difference? We celebrate the impact made this year through Workout4Wildlife, an annual fundraising event aimed at supporting wildlife conservation efforts. This fundraising event unites the fitness community in a passionate pursuit: raising awareness and funding for wildlife conservation. Participants are encouraged to sweat for a cause – do good and feel good.
It all started in 2022, when a group of fitness and wildlife enthusiasts went on a cycling expedition through Namibia, a region known for its extreme remoteness. The astonishing beauty of Namibia's scenery and its diverse wildlife deeply impressed, giving rise to the passion to support the protection of this remarkable environment. After completing the journey, Workout4Wildlife (W4W) was established with the primary objective of harnessing the collective power of the fitness community to get financial support for wildlife conservation initiatives on a global scale.
Workout4Wildlife 2023
Spearheaded by Lukas Esslinger, a friend of the Viatu brand and internationally renowned CrossFit athlete, Workout4Wildlife 2023 created an online competition where fitness enthusiasts can measure their skills against some of the most recognised figures in CrossFit.
Viatu is the proud travel partner of this initiative and is excited to share the news of this year’s event. Through funds raised for the chosen beneficiary, participants contributed to the protection of the endangered desert-adapted rhino species and their habitats in remote and beautiful Namibia.
Funds Raised for Wildlife Conservation
By combining fitness and fundraising, Workout4Wildlife 2023 raised US$6.5K for the chosen beneficiary, Save the Rhino Trust (SRT).
SRT has been a leading force in wildlife conservation for more than 40 years. Their primary objective is to safeguard the desert-adapted black rhino by closely monitoring and protecting them, thereby ensuring a secure environment for these rhinos and other wildlife species. Simultaneously, SRT works towards fostering a sustainable future for local communities in the region.
Impact Made to Save the Rhinos
The funds raised provide crucial support to Save the Rhino Trust (SRT), aiding their efforts to preserve biodiversity and create a sustainable future for rhinos in Namibia. With 32 full-time rangers and 60 conservancy-employed rhino rangers deployed across a 25.000 km2 range, SRT's work comes with significant costs and high mileage. The funds raised through Workout4Wildlife will help ensure field teams are well-equipped, which is key to their overall conservation success.
Winner of Workout4Wildlife 2023
The 2023 lucky draw winner, Andrea, received a once-in-a-lifetime trip worth US$15.000 to experience the natural wonders of Namibia and experience SRT conservation work first-hand – including visiting CrossFit Damascus in Windhoek, morning and evening game drives at Etosha National Park, a luxury slackpacking adventure in Damaraland, excursions with seals in Swakopmund, and exploring the iconic Sossusvlei's sand dunes.
Thank You to All
We would like to thank everyone who participated and donated to Workout4Wildife. Your contribution made it possible to support amazing conservation efforts and help save the rhinos. 🦏 A big shoutout to our partners for their generous contributions to the fantastic prize:
Last but not least, thank you to the Workout4Wildlife team who contributed their time to this project and made this event possible to support this year's amazing beneficiary, Save the Rhino Trust.
Viatu is all about travelling with a positive impact in extraordinary off-the-beaten-path destinations. We handpick our partners so that you know your trip will have a positive impact on people and planet. Want to know how you can take part in the next event? Follow W4W on Instagram or contact us if you have any questions.
