It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Pamela Isdell, who succumbed to cancer on Tuesday, 18 March.
Pamela was passionate about nature and birds in particular. She and her husband Neville are well known for their philanthropic work supporting WWF, The Nature Conservancy, Birdlife and Peace Parks for many years. Pamela became a Peace Parks Club Member, and in later years, she and Neville significantly increased their support for our work in Zambia and for good reason, too, as that is where her love for Africa was nurtured. Pamela moved to Zambia as a child from Great Britain and received her education in Zambia. It was also in Zambia that Pamela and Neville met and got married. They have been inseparable for the past 57 years.
Pamela loved animals and developed a passion for conservation and species survival, the African penguin being her favourite, and had a deep connection with the people of Africa. When we travelled to the Simalaha Community Conservancy, of which she was a founder donor, I was amazed to see the entourage that welcomed us when we landed. Unbeknownst to me, she was not only supporting the conservancy but, for many years, also supported early childhood development in the community who gave her a fitting welcome with dance and song.
One of her last missions was to protect the African Penguin. On her day of passing, the news broke of the historic settlement agreement reached between the fishing industry and conservation organisations securing critical protections for South Africa’s penguin populations, thanks also to her generous support. I cannot think of a more fitting and parting gift for her years of dedication to making the world a better place.
Our sincere condolences to Neville, daughter Cara, son-in-law Zak Lee and grandson Rory.
She will be greatly missed. May her soul rest in peace.
Werner Myburgh
CEO
Peace Parks Foundation
