Victoria Senkpiel x N/a’ankusê

The Wolf Pump featuring N/a’ankusê

Victoria Senkpiel is proud to partner with the Namibian wildlife conservation organization, N/a’ankusê, a collaboration selected through strong value fit and the dedication to advancing conservation efforts through innovation.

N/a’ankusê was founded in 2003 by Dr. Rudie and Marlice van Vuuren, changing an aspiration to conserve Namibia’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultures into a real-life dream. With an impressive footprint of results and achievements, the Foundation continues to push boundaries for conservation efforts through a holistic approach that intertwines the preservation of natural habitats and the well-being of wildlife, with the empowerment of local communities. 

 

 

N/a’ankusê is a founding partner of the Shiloh Wildlife Sanctuary, a facility designed to provide expert care for rhinos and elephants injured or orphaned through incidents of poaching or conflict.  It is funded by the Jolie-Pitt Foundation and named in honour of Angelina Jolie’s Namibian-born daughter.

The partnership between Victoria Senkpiel and N/a’ankusë is dedicated to the conservation of the African Painted Wolf, also known as the African wild dog. There are less than 300 painted wolves left in Namibia, and only around 6,000 left in the world.

The African painted wolf is endangered due to nothing less than its unmatched skill as a hunter.  The painted wolf has a 85% success rate as a hunter, for comparison the figure is between 15-30% for the mighty lion.  The painted wolf sets out on a task and succeeds, and for this it is persecuted by farmers.

There is a frequent misconception that African painted wolves are feral dogs. However, we at Victoria Senkpiel aim to raise understanding of their true fascinating nature.  For example, those wishing to join with us by wearing these shoes may be curious to hear that painted wolves are led by a dominant alpha female.

The Victoria Senkpiel collaboration bridges the link between the demonization of wolves in Europe and ‘wild dogs’ in Southern Africa due to their hunting of livestock.  Victoria Senkpiel Shoes seeks to focus awareness on the importance of fostering human-wildlife co-existence in order to ensure the survival of both local communities and wildlife.

Please join us in raising the awareness of the African Painted Wolf. All proceeds from the purchase of a pair of Wolf Pumps or Wolf Loafer go towards N/a’ankusê’s conservation of this endangered species with clear efforts dedicated to collaring the African Painted Wolves. To collar 4 painted wolves costs above 20, 000 USD. 

This collaboration is not a 'one off'. It is a long-term dedication towards conservation efforts for the African Wild Dog, linked to all current and future Wolf Pump and Wolf Loafer proceeds.

Give the African Painted Wolf a voice. Your voice.

To learn more about N/a’ankusê’s work, please click here.