Mouse-Free Marion Project Receives $1 Million From Mark Shuttleworth

The Mouse-Free Marion Project, part of the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge has received a major boost with a generous $1 million donation from South African tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Mark Shuttleworth. This contribution will support efforts to eradicate invasive House Mice from Marion Island, where they pose a severe threat to native seabirds, including albatrosses and petrels. 

Shuttleworth, known for his pioneering work in internet security and open-source software, has increasingly focused on environmental conservation. His support for Marion Island follows his impactful work on Príncipe Island, promoting ecotourism and biodiversity protection. 

“This remarkable contribution strengthens our capacity to deliver this globally significant conservation effort,” said Anton Wolfaardt, Project Manager. “It also inspires others to support the protection of one of our planet’s most extraordinary wild places.” 

The donation will be available to the project in early 2026, helping advance one of South Africa’s most ambitious environmental restoration initiatives. You can learn more about this generous donation at the Mouse-free Marion website.