rhinos are in danger

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although the white rhino is part of the dangerous big 5, these fat grey unicorns are peaceful creatures, with very poor eyesight and mostly oblivious to the dangers lurking around them. how sad is it, that these ancient looking animals has reason to fear the very creatures that is supposed to be protecting them.... man.

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What is the rhino horn used for? The Myth.

Rhino horn is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, but increasingly common is its use as a status symbol to display success and wealth. Popular to Chinese beliefs, rhino horns are used to treat fever, rheumatism, gout, and other disorders. It also states that the horn could cure snakebites, hallucinations, typhoid, headaches, carbuncles, vomiting, food poisoning, and “devil possession” as well. There has also been a recent surge in demand for rhino horn in Viet Nam, where it is being touted as a hangover cure and treatment for terminal illnesses, aphrodisiac and many other uses.

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The motivation for consumers buying rhino horn is the emotional benefit rather than medicinal, as it reaffirms their social status among their peers. Image and status are important to these consumers, they tend to be highly educated and successful people who have a powerful social network and no affinity to wildlife. Rhino horns are sometimes bought for the sole purpose of being gifted to others; to family members, business colleagues or people in positions of authority.

 

Poachers are now being supplied by international criminal gangs with sophisticated equipment to track and kill rhinos. Frequently a small calibre weapon is used to bring the rhino down, before its horn is hacked off, leaving the rhino to wake up and bleed to death very painfully and slowly. Poachers are often armed with guns themselves, making them very dangerous for the anti-poaching teams who put their lives on the line to protect rhinos. The scarcity of rhinos today and the corresponding intermittent availability of rhino horn only drives the price of horn higher and higher, intensifying pressure on declining rhino populations.

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What is being done to keep Rhinos safe?

since 2008, south Africa has lost over 7000 rhinos

due to rhino poaching. a number that sadly keeps

rising, despite the effort of protection. on

our reserve, we are constantly working on the

conservation of the rhinos on our property.

precautions such as dehorning, sleepless nights

driving around checking on each and every

rhino, extra game guard employment, numbering

and getting to know each rhino personally, is

just some of the actions taken trying to protect

our grey treasures. Sadly, few people realise the

challenges facing those in the frontlines of protection. At this stage the poachers have the upper hand – they know when, they know how, and although we are fortunate enough not to have lost any rhinos on our beautiful reserve,  poachers will come back another day, as soon as we slack with our efforts,  or simply hit a softer target on a different property.

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Although great strides have been made on ground level, such as ranger readiness, the incorporation of various technologies and the role of security/protection strategies have all contributed to an admirable increase in poacher arrest rates – but little progress has been made in stopping the masterminds behind the poaching. these syndicates do not do the dirty work themselves, but rather send in recruits. There is no shortage of new recruits and poachers are quickly replaced, if caught.  co-ordination by poaching syndicates and co-operative alliances between various poaching groups, enabled by deeply entrenched corruption at every level, is quick to return to the slaughtering of the animals.

 

Bearing this in mind, intelligence driven operations (knowing who, what, where, when and how) are the cornerstone elements to cracking the syndicates, which is why we’re putting as much available funding into supporting investigations while at the same time still focusing on supporting  basic requirements. Winning the hearts and minds of communities living around rhino reserves is of utmost importance in intelligence gathering and we are working closely with the community in this regard.

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Every rhino lover can make a difference in the protection of these wonderful animals. how insignificant your contribution may seem, it may save one rhino's life, and therefore worth pursuing.

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How can I help?  

1. Easiest way is to donate towards rhino protection - Salaries of game rangers, rewards for information, capturing and dehorning

2. Do not support the industry by buying any rhino horn products

3. Support harsher punishment for rhino poachers and syndicates.

4. Understand, Support and join us for the dehorning process

5. Educate others and raise awareness in your community

6. Start your own "SAVE THE RHINO" fund raiser

7. Adopt one of our Fat Grey Unicorns and have bragging rights to your very own magical creature!

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While you visit us, you will have the privilege to meet these wonderful animals and fall in love with them. We are looking forward to have you and share our beautiful experiences with you.

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Should you want to become part of our Rhino-saving team, please contact us and start saving precious lives.

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   I'm Joining your team

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Rhino dehorning

It is important to know why dehorning is done, and that this does not cause any pain to these animals. Rhino horns consists of keratin, a protein similar to your  hair and nails. you don't feel any pain while trimming your nails, do you? As with your nails, rhino horns grow back at about 50-60mm (2 inches) per year. Therefore continues dehorning need to take place. this is an expensive and very complexed method involving teams of experts working together, in a veterinary ethical procedure, to ensure the wellbeing of the rhino being dehorned.

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