Taking conservation to new heights

Bella-Bella – Ecological Defence Group (EDGE) in collaboration with professional skydiver and Red Bull athlete, Jeff Provenzano, took endangered species day to new heights on Sunday 19 May when Jeff jumped out of a hot air balloon in the support of rhino conservation. 

The field that Jeff landed on has the third highest concentration of Rhino in Africa.
In addition to the jump, Jeff took to social media to educate his fans on ways they could help not only save the rhino population in South Africa, but also help him name a baby rhino born on one of the farms last month.  

“When I set off on this journey around the world, I had no idea how deep and personal my trip to South Africa would become,” said Jeff.

“I thought I was just going there to make another skydive out of a hot air balloon. My heart was touched by the rhino and all the majestic creatures that are desperately holding on and trying to survive.”

Nathan Edmondson, president of EDGE, said: “EDGE believes in inspiration and a young man willing to jump into thin air at 5,000 feet inspires us. The cause - to protect an extraordinary and endangered species motivates us. Working with Jeff this week has been the opportunity of a lifetime. The awareness raised could mean a life for a young rhino born under the South African skies.”

Jeff added: “I have always tried to do my part as a citizen of the world, but I realize now – more than ever before – how critical our life choices are.

I am determined to be the best version of myself and contribute to this world rather than strip it away and simply consume what it offers.

We must all do our part in whatever way we can. There cannot be any more excuses.”

The GoFundMe page for the rhino jump is still active and asking for donations. To contribute or find out more visit www.gofundme.com/save-a-rhino-with-jeff-provenzano.

The baby rhino’s name will be posted to EDGE social media sites once it is chosen. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to directly impact the next generation of rhino born on the African continent.