Insimbi Legacy Projects in need of support for rhinos during lockdown

The gentle giants from the Insimbi Legacy Projects, a NPO which aims to conserve and protect rhino against poachers, is in need of community support during the lockdown.

Carmela Lattanzi started Insimbi organisation when one of her dominant rhinos, Insimbi, was killed in a poaching incident. She is devoted to protecting the rhino and realised that she is need of the public’s assistance.

Therefore, she decided to invite the public to the reservation during the Adventure with a Cause weekends, which are organised once a month during full moon.

Insimbi Legacy Projects’ reservation is situated in Northern Limpopo and people can pay a visit to see the rhinos while also engaging in rhino monitoring, foot and vehicle patrols and tactical shooting. Their programme is hands on, where guests can see the amount of effort and dedication required to protect these gentle giants.

The rhino are kept in their natural habit where they are protected against poachers with state-of-the-art surveillance equipment and armed security guards.

The Advertiser caught up with the Boksburg businesswoman and ambassador of the Insimbi Legacy Projects Sharon Janse van Rensburg to find out more about how the organisation is experiencing the challenging times.

Q:How is the lockdown affecting the fight against rhino poaching?

A: Rhinos are at a higher risk due to the fact that there is less movement on the reserve. Early detection is key in preventing poaching.

Q: What challenges are private farm owners with rhinos experiencing during the lockdown?

A: Cost of feed has risen substantially and loss of eco-tourism means most reserves are without any source of income. Lack of financial support from government relief funds means private rhino owners might be forced to sell their rhino.

Q: The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries said there is a significant decline in rhino poaching during the lockdown. Why are you still concerned about the safety of the rhino at the reserve?

A: In essence, the lockdown has hampered the movement of rhino poaching syndicates, but they always find ways around the system. Due to the fact that many reserves run a skeleton staff could mean that intrusions are not detected, and poached carcasses have not yet been discovered.

Q: The Insimbi Legacy Project’s Adventure with a Cause week is prohibited during the lockdown. Despite the negative financial impact, in what other way is the organisation affected by this?

A: The weekends do not only generate income to fund our anti-poaching unit rangers and provide care for our rhinos. We also rely on the extra eyes and ears from people being boots on the ground. More movement means better chances of early detection and being a deterrence to rhino poachers.

Q: The anti-poaching unit is currently hard at work to protect the rhino. What other measures are in place to safeguard rhinos?

A: Technology like drones and trail cameras are some of the early detection methods we use.

Q: How is the organisation generating funds during the pandemic?

A: We have recently launched several online fund raisers like our adopt a rhino, and selling of merchandise. We’re also challenging members of the community to donate R100 to assist our anti-poaching unit during these trying times.

Q: How can people support the Insimbi Legacy Projects during the pandemic?

A: At the moment financial help is key. This will help us to keep our rangers on the ground and to be in the position to purchase feed. The public can visit www.insimbilegacyprojects.co.za for more information about our latest projects.

Q: What is the way forward?

A: Insimbi will soon be launching our tailor-made conservation guardianship course, and our volunteer program.

Anyone who would like to make a contribution may contact Carmela on info@insimbilegacyprojects.co.za or 083 448 5820 or Sharon on 083 626 6528.

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