got the link to this reply from aaron neilson to r. gervais facebook rant from another member on here . i couldnt work out the link so managed to put it on somehow
. cant see him taking up the challenge , but it would be interesting if he did............
"Ricky, I see you are "sticking your neck out" for wildlife? It appears African wildlife in particular? That's really great Ricky!! Knowing your dedication to the preservation of Africa's wildlife, maybe you can share with your 2.7 million followers all that you have done to "stick your neck out" as you claim?
Surely you wouldn't mind then disclosing the exact amount of money you have contributed to "on the ground" wildlife protection projects throughout the Dark Continent? Remember to be specific as to who/when/where your money was sent, thus we can collaborate your story? Of which, I am sure there is many!
No doubt you can also tell us, and show us (a guy like you would never miss out on a photo op) all the places you've been across the continent of Africa - actively protecting wildlife, providing support (both financially and emotionally) to actual anti-poaching units who really are "sticking their neck out" for wildlife. And I'm not referring to some game park in South Africa 30 minutes from Joberg that needs little to no protection in the first place, or the Serengeti National Park. I'm talking about Africa's truly wild places - where the game you seek to protect are desperately in need. Like most of Tanzania's wild game reserves, or Zambia's Game Management Areas, or Zimbabwe's National Parks Safari areas, or Mozambique's numerous Coutada's - all of which are constantly under attack from illegal poaching activities.
Surely you've been to some of these places, stepped foot on the ground, shared a campfire or two with the game scouts / anti poachers who work tirelessly - day in and day out, sometimes paying the "ultimate price" all in the name of wildlife protection? Please tell me you have shared their sacrifice, if only for a few days? Please tell me you have seen the struggles they face, and participated in their never ending search for the those who are really out to decimate the game we all so love?
Interestingly enough, I already know the answers to my questions....and so do you! I know, because unlike you and the many talking heads of the anti-hunting movement - I have in fact seen, experienced and participated in all of the above. I have been shot at by poachers, I have raided poachers camps, I've seen hundreds of animals killed by their indiscriminate snaring, poisoning, and so on - but more shocking than all of what I have experienced over the past 20 years in the wilds of Africa, is what I have never experienced! I've never one single time seen a representative from any "animal rights / welfare" organization, or "individual", in any of these wild places, trying to help the wildlife or the people, NEVER!! What I have seen in over 500 days of personal time spent in the African bush is the sole support of the wildlife departments / anti-poaching units solely supported by hunters, and the companies (outfitters) that lead their expeditions.
The hunters/outfitters are supplying the anti-poaching units with money, fuel, vehicles, clothes, camping gear, supplies, and the list goes on. Where are you, your money, your help/support - where are any of you? No where to be seen, that's where - other than ranting via social media in hopes of gaining a few more inexperienced followers! Hunters dollars almost solely fund Tanzania's Wildlife Authority, certainly its not coming out of your pocket. Outfitters are employing local villagers as camp staff, trackers, anti-poachers, and hunting license/game fee dollars allow game departments to employ locals as game scouts, wardens, etc. Again, why are you and your cronies not stepping up to the plate and covering these costs? After all, you are "sticking your neck out" for wildlife, correct???
Rather than truly supporting the wildlife you claim to love, you lower yourself to vile name calling, and the use of foul language on a public/social media site (one visited by children as well) to attack and defame a legal, ethical, conservation minded hunter, Mrs. Rebecca Francis. You and your followers do so out of ignorance, poor judgment and lack of knowledge/experience because its the only counter argument you have. Those of us who have "been there, done that" know the truth and know the harsh reality that is the African bush, and what it takes to protect its precious Flora & Fauna. You sir, most certainly do not! You sir have not the fortitude or vigor to see and experience for yourself what reality is like in some of Africa's most remote and wild places.
Mr. Gervais, in the name of fair play - I here on your own FB page challenge you to a public debate on the subject of international / conservation minded hunting. I'll do so at any time, and any place! You name it, and I'll be there. Do as one of your followers has already suggested. Host a 2-hour tv special, air it in the UK, the USA and anywhere else you deem necessary. Lets see who is really educated, experienced and knowledgeable on the subject of legal hunting, and the role it plays in wildlife conservation. There's no reason you shouldn't accept the challenge. I'm no one special, I have no special wildlife degrees, or extended education in wildlife management. I'm just a normal guy, from a modest background who speaks only from "on the ground" experience. Certainly I couldn't possibly be more knowledgeable than someone as famous, wealthy and experienced as you, could I??
I'll be waiting for your reply, I'm not hard to find."
Regards,
Aaron Neilson
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. If Mrs Francis has an FB page she may want to repost it there.
