27 January – LEVA-EU member CAKE announced the launch of Kalk Anti-Poaching (AP). This special edition Kalk has been redefined and optimized for rangers working to protect wildlife in the harsh conditions of the African bush. The Kalk AP is a critical component of CAKE’s recently launched initiative, the Electric Bush Bike Anti-Poaching Act, which aims to help organizations in Africa combat the devastating effects of poaching on the continent’s most endangered species.

The Kalk AP has been developed in tandem with staff of the Southern African Wildlife College to ensure the motorbikes can successfully serve rangers in their work. Later this year, the CAKE Kalk AP will enter field operations when the SAWC begins formally testing and utilizing the motorcycles with the associated Goal Zero solar kits as part of its educational curriculum and training. Using motorbikes is an essential part of anti-poaching in Africa. Today these bikes run on unsustainable gasoline and their noise warns poachers miles away.

“Solar power, new technology, and a new category of vehicles that help save endangered species in Africa. This is a perfect example of purpose meeting sustainability,” founder and CEO of CAKE, Stefan Ytterborn, commented. “We are extremely honored to be able to work with our partners on this initiative and to contribute to developing the means to help curb poaching in the region.”

The Kalk AP is available for purchase as part of a ‘buy-one-give-one’ charity campaign that funds the initiative. CAKE and Goal Zero will also donate their profit margin from these sales directly to the SAWC. When a customer purchases a Kalk AP, an identical twin is made and delivered to an anti-poaching unit active in one of the 25 national parks where the Southern African Wildlife College manages anti-poaching teams.

Purchasing a Kalk AP also covers the donation of a solar panel and power station kit from Goal Zero that enables the twin bike to operate in the African bush independent from the electric power grid on an ongoing, self-sufficient mission to protect wildlife. All twin bikes are also connected via the CAKE connectivity platform, meaning that a customer can stay connected to the sibling bike that is in the bush. The customer will receive continuous updates on where it is, what is happening, and what good it has achieved. CAKE will also receive these notifications and will share ongoing achievements in various channels.

Customers looking to support the Electric Bush Bike Anti-Poaching Act by purchasing a Kalk AP can do so by reserving a model for $1000 at ridecake.com. The total cost of a Kalk AP, the donation of a Kalk AP, and the solar panel / solar kit is $25,000 with delivery starting September 2021.