Lions Cricket Partners With the Extraordinary Hospitality Group to Bring Wildlife Conservation Into Schools and Stadiums

Johannesburg: Lions Cricket and Extraordinary, a leading South African Hospitality Group, involved in wildlife conservation and responsible tourism, today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership to strengthen conservation education across South Africa. United by a shared vision to protect the country’s natural heritage, this collaboration introduces a series of educational programmes designed to grow awareness and empower the next generation of wildlife custodians.

Rooted in shared values and a forward-thinking vision, the partnership will transform real conservation work into accessible learning for children, families, and wider communities. By combining Lions Cricket’s community reach with Extraordinary’s expertise in conservation storytelling, the initiative aims to make wildlife preservation tangible, relevant and inspiring for young audiences.

“This collaboration brings together two organisations that believe deeply in the role of education in shaping our future,” said Jono Leaf-Wright, CEO of Lions Cricket. “By taking real conservation stories directly into schools and stadiums, we hope to spark curiosity, build understanding, and empower young people to see their own role in protecting South Africa’s wildlife.”

The collaboration will focus on three key areas:

1. Immersive School Initiatives: Engaging, curriculum-aligned programmes that introduce scholars to real-world conservation challenges, creating personal connections with threatened species and ecosystems.
2. Match-Day Activations: Conservation-focused activations at selected Lions Cricket fixtures, bringing wildlife stories to life for families, fans, and the broader public.
3. Showcasing Extraordinary’s Conservation Work: Content and programmes that highlight critical species and conservation successes, including:
   – The fight to protect the Black Rhino from extinction;
   – The complex reintroduction efforts surrounding African Wild Dogs;
   – The race for survival faced by the Cheetah;
   – The essential ecological role of the Southern Ground-Hornbill; and
   – Other critical species and ecosystem initiatives that underline the interconnectedness of nature.

“Conservation starts with awareness,” said Ivan Killian, Conservation Head and Reserve Manager. “Children engage deeply when they understand the ‘why’ behind conservation – when they see the faces, stories, and challenges of the species we fight to protect. This partnership allows us to bring those stories to life in a way that is exciting, meaningful, and accessible.”

This initiative marks a significant step forward in public-facing conservation education and sets a new benchmark for how purpose-driven organisations can collaborate to create lasting environmental impact.

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Source: cricket.co.za

Allan Donald: Allan Donald is a South African former cricket player best known for his fast-paced deliveries that earned him the nickname White Lightning. Regarded as one of South Africa’s most successful fast bowlers, Donald was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2019. After retiring from international cricket, Donald has focused on establishing himself as a coach.