Doc Roos is saddling up to cycle 3,180kms through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and to Mount Kilimanjaro on a quest to raise funds for the National Sterilisation Project!
Port Alfred, South Africa (27 August 2024) — Dr Annelize Roos, affectionately known as Doc Roos, is getting ready to saddle up for a 3,180km cycling quest across several parts of our continent—all to raise funds for the National Sterilisation Project that will serve animals back home in Port Alfred.
As a well-respected animal hero, known for the privilege of her services by many animal welfare organisations in our country, sterilisation efforts have been a longstanding cause for Doc Roos.
In 2011, the Doc started Envirovet CVC. Many years of hard work later, she and her team stand proudly as the reason that 86,000 pet sterilisations were able to be conducted in remote and indigent communities!
But Doc Roos isn’t afraid to go even further than ‘above and beyond’; precisely what her cycle will entail as part of her ideal start to retired life.
“I’ve just turned 64 and haven’t cycled much for quite some time due to work commitments. However, for many years, I was very active on my bike and I’m still perfectly comfortable on it. I’m also a nature and adventure lover and Africa is particularly dear to me. My intended participation in this tour is specifically aimed at starting a new life post-retirement with a bang! But I’m also extending my retirement to a higher level and will be using this experience as an opportunity to raise funds for the National Sterilization Project”, says Doc Roos.
From 6 October to 4 November this year, the Doc will be participating in the Victoria Falls to Kilimanjaro section of the ‘TDA Tour D’Afrique Cape to Kili’—3,180kms through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and finally to Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
Despite the many places her bike will take her, Port Alfred is at the heart of the cause and is set to be the biggest feat for the National Sterilisation Project yet.
“This area, amongst many others in South Africa, is in dire need of pet sterilisations. It is geographically isolated and impoverished with a mere 30% of people in the area being financially independent at present. Compounding this is that sterilisation of pets is not part of the ‘culture’ in the area”, continues Doc Roos, a passionate advocate for a comprehensive approach to pet population management in South Africa.
This requires the sterilisation of at least 80% of pets in any geographically demarcated area, with only ‘maintenance’ required thereafter to keep the population stable.
Adds Debra Buys, the National Sterilisation Project’s National Project Co-ordinator:
“Project Port Alfred will be the biggest project we’ve ever tackled. An initial census indicates that 2,300 pets need to be sterilised to achieve the 80% sterilised target. If sufficient funds are raised, this will be done in 6 Phases from November 2024 to April 2026 with 300 or more pets sterilised in each Phase”.
Doc Roos is aiming to raise a minimum of R300,000, intended to cover the first 2 phases of 6.
“That’s R94,34 per kilometre that I cycle. Well worth the effort and the experience!” Doc Roos says breaking it down.
Ultimately, R150 000 is required for each phase—making the total fund target R1.15 million over a 3-year period.
True to form and just to add weight to her bicycle, Doc Roos will also be taking along tick, flea and mange medication to treat at least some of the community pets that she encounters along her epic cycling journey.
The NSP couldn’t be more grateful to Dr Roos for this initiative as well as to non-profit Anti Animal Trafficking CT who have generously contributed R11,100 to kick-start this fundraising drive.
You can support Doc Roos’ incredible efforts here!
by 