Illovo Eston MTB Challenge helps protect Tala rhino

Illovo, title sponsors of the Illovo Eston MTB Challenge which will take place at the Eston Club on Sunday, 2 August, has joined forces with the Tala Game Reserve to help protect the rhinos in the reserve.

The plight of rhinos has been well documented worldwide and the Tala Game Reserve is one of the more significant tourist attractions in the Eston area, with visitors having the opportunity to see many different wildlife species at the park.

With Illovo being heavily involved in Eston and the Eston MTB Challenge, which incorporates the Tala Reserve, it was a perfect opportunity for them to get involved in helping with its conservation.

Illovo’s marketing and communications manager, Darrell de Wet, appreciates that the plight of the rhino is a significant problem that needs addressing.

“We know that without rhino, Tala would become less attractive and so we understand the importance of getting involved to try and protect the species in the park. Wildlife is a crucial part of our heritage and is a huge part of drawing people to our country as a whole and, more specifically, to the Eston region; our involvement with Tala is us just trying to play our part in conserving this heritage.

“It is important that big businesses get involved with conservation as government cannot be solely responsible for the prevention of the extinction of the rhino. Keeping these animals safe is vital in preserving them for the generations to come.”

The means of tracking the rhino through the park is an ankle bracelet that monitors movement and a number of other bodily functions, including heart rate, stress levels and the like, enabling trackers to make sure that the animals are under no threat or stress.

De Wet said, “We got involved in sponsoring the bracelets in 2014, and after we replace the batteries shortly, hopefully the devices will keep serving their purpose and we can continue to support the protection of the species.”

A major drawcard for the Eston MTB Challenge is the 18km STIHL Tala Family Ride that takes riders through the park on some scenic and exciting trails.

“Our relationship with Tala grew from the family ride that takes cyclists along some of the dirt roads and track through the park. It is fantastic that Tala allow the event to use the reserve for the hugely popular race.

“It was one of the first races to use the concept of riding through a reserve, and although riders will be in safe areas, it is still a very popular element to the Illovo Eston MTB Challenge.”