Storacall TeleAcoustics Press Release

'Hippo' Weatherproof Phone Enclosures Sponsorship

A Hippo called Robin

As part of the launch of the 'Hippo' range of weather proof telephone cabinets Storacall TeleAcoustics Ltd has adopted via the Turgwe Hippo Trust, a Zimbabwean territorial bull hippopotamus called 'Robin'.

Although hippos are not yet an endangered species, their numbers throughout Africa are steadily declining due to pressure from human encroachment on their habitat, siltation of rivers and hunting. Their need for permanent bodies of water makes them vulnerable, especially as many of Africa's rivers are slowly drying up.

The Turgwe River hippos live in an area designated as a wildlife conservancy. Control and management of their habitat can thus be assured. The Turgwe River in the southeastern Lowveld of Zimbabwe, once perennial - now flows only during the rainy season.

The creation of deep, dry season pools, through building of weirs within the river course, safeguards the hippo's existence. During the horrendous drought of 1991/92, the Turgwe hippos, 13 in number, were kept alive through artificial pan and water troughs, for the river eventually dried up completely. Since then 18 hippo calves have been born, all leading a natural life with their families, there are now 31 hippos back in the Turgwe River system.

The 'Hippo' cabinets are suitable for internal or external locations providing protection for the enclosed telephone instrument against water, dirt, dust and other environmental hazards and are suitable for Out of hours, Emergency, Security, Information and Help Line applications as well as situations where the use of mobile or radio telephones is inappropriate or banned.

The cabinets have ingress protection ratings up to IP66 classification making them ideal for outdoor installations such as Gate Control Points, Police Stations, firestaions, Airport Tarmacs and Piers, Naval Yards, Marinas, Fuelling Jetties, Farms, military perimeters and Football Grounds as well as for Internal installations in Factories, Hospitals, Leisure Centres, Offices and Public Buildings.

If you would like to find out more information about the Turgwe Hippo Trust visit www.savethehippos.com.