Above picture:  Andrew Whysall, Managing Director of Whylo Distributors, takes a phone call

Andrew Whysall is the Managing Director of Whylo Distributors, a South African business based in Durban that specializes in high-quality optics and accessories, notably (for those who study or observe birds) Swarovski Optik binoculars.  .  Whylo, through Swarovski Optik, has been supporting BirdLife South Africa’s work for over a decade, notably its Community Bird Guide Project.  Andrew writes to MFM News that he is passionate about the products he distributes.  Having already heard of the Mouse-Free Marion Project from BirdLife South Africa, he participated in last year’s Flock to Marion 2022 voyage, saying it was a fantastic trip and that he can’t wait for the next Flock at Sea.

 

Andrew describes the planned eradication of Marion Island’s invasive House Mice as “such a good cause”, noting that “it’s important to protect our species, so that our future generations can enjoy them as we do.”  Not just words from Andrew, as he has ‘put his money where his mouth is’ by sponsoring a generous 50 hectares towards the eradication of Marion’s mice.

You can read more about Andrew on his company’s website.

John Cooper, News Correspondent, Mouse-Free Marion Project, 16 May 2023

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The Mouse-Free Marion Project is a registered non-profit company (No. 2020/922433/08) in South Africa, established to eradicate the invasive albatross-killing mice on Marion Island in the Southern Ocean.  The project was initiated by BirdLife South Africa and the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.  Upon successful completion, the project will restore the critical breeding habitat of over two million seabirds, many globally threatened, and improve the island’s resilience to a warming climate.  For more information or to support the project please visit mousefreemarion.org.