After months, while in reality nearly two years of pondering how to introduce Finn to the world, especially as he didn’t have a name until this past weekend. It took driving to Sodwana Bay with two ladies to come up with a name that I felt suitable would capture His role and value to this project.
- Meet Finn, he is cute, friendly, furry and clearly cuddly.
Finn the Shark has completed two iMfolozi Challenges. The iMfolozi Challenge is a 56 to 60km Mountain Bike ride through the iMfolozi wilderness area of the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve in KZN. The ride is organized by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) to raise funds for the Wild Dog and in more recent times the Rhino. Finn rode his first two challenges as an attempt to raise awareness for the growing need to protect and sustainably manage our marine resources. This event is not the basis to start trying to raise awareness as the main theme for the event is on the terestrial animals in the park. Fin will still continue to make his appearance at the challenge but will not be the main drive, except to continue the tradition.
- Finn doing the iMfolozi Challenge
Finn has now dived Sodwana Bay, one of the worlds bests dive spots found within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The Park stretches for 200km of coastline and includes places like Kozi Bay, Banga Neck (famous for Turtle nestings), Mabibi, St Lucia and Mapelane.
The idea of bringing Finn into the this whole drive is to create a character that is lovable, but also very representative. As a Shark Finn carries the position of one of the apex predators in the ocean, and thereby being hugely impacted by mans activities through over exploitation of fisheries and through pollution. Further the name Finn will be a constant reminder of the battle over the excessive abuse of sharks for shark fin soup.
The development of Finn’s character will be the mascot for the project we are embarking on. The fact that he is a cute shark must not be under estimated as it is also very important to educate the youth of not only South Africa, but also Africa and the World.
So Please join Finn now on his journey to the highest point in Africa. The mountain for the Seas.
The images here are largely taken by Laura-Jean Edeling from Coral Divers in Sodwana Bay. Laura, thanks again for your help, time and effort in giving us these images. You made it really easy. These images clearly show the need for us to conserve our resources. Can we really imagine an ocean without Turtles (can we that easily forget Finding Nemo) or whale sharks, or Potato Bass or Dolphins. These creatures are secrets we long to open and explore, but will only remain with your help.
The Mountain for the Sea 