OSHKOSH, WIS: The Atlanta-based nonprofit Elephants, Rhinos & People (ERP.ngo) kicked off EAA AirVenture 2025, by accepting delivery of its first airplane, an NX Cub from CubCrafters. The delivery is the first step in providing air cover to the vast ERP megafauna sanctuary areas in Namibia, established to protect elephants and rhinos and improve the economic wellbeing of impoverished rural people living adjacent to protected areas. The first airplane will soon be joined by another new NX Cub. Together they will be shipped to Namibia, where they will be put into service. The Cubs will provide ERP rangers with a potent tool to combat poaching and to monitor endangered desert-adapted elephants and very soon, also critically endangered black rhinos to be located in a separate area in the southern part of Namibia.
“The tragic loss of elephants and rhinos to poachers is a daily occurrence in that part of the world,” said Quintin Smith, partner in Group Elephant primary benefactor of ERP, and a director of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit. “As a general aviation pilot, I’m delighted about the role these Cubs will play in protecting endangered elephants and rhinos in Africa,” he added.
Pilots can participate directly in amplifying the impact of the ERP Air Wing through the “Signature Campaign,” inviting 500 pilots to contribute $1,000 apiece toward acquisition of the next aircraft, which will feature donor names on the fuselage.
Tom Haines, a longtime aviation journalist and aircraft owner, is ERP Air Wing Lead.
For additional information: https://www.erp.ngo/