The name of the reserve is withheld for security reasons. On July 15, a suspected syndicate of four was arrested with a weapon, ammunition, and an axe. Rhino Revolution, upon receiving distress calls from the reserve owner and the responsible veterinarian, Dr. Chris Boshoff, conducted a reaction mission on July 17. They searched for possible poaching victims using a helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft with the hope to render veterinary care to rhinos wounded by this poaching syndicate.
“During the operation, we discovered rhino carcasses and attended to a rhino cow with a gunshot wound to the front leg. “The aerial survey also allowed us to observe the nutritional value of the veld and the body condition of the rhinos,” said Hanno Nusch, CEO of Rhino Revolution. Rhino Revolution was founded in 2011 by a group of concerned citizens of Hoedspruit who, together with respected conservationists and private reserve owners, try to reduce the escalating poaching crisis.
Nusch said many reserves are struggling with the massive security costs necessary to protect the rhinos and the financial burden of ensuring their good care. “During the winter months, natural food sources become scarce, and the body condition of the rhinos can start to decline. “From the air, we could see that many of the rhinos on this reserve need supplemental feeding to help them through these dry months. “Once rhinos lose condition beyond a certain threshold, the process of decline can become irreversible and lead to starvation,” said Nusch.
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He said their priority is to ramp up security against further incursions and initiate supplementary feeding as soon as possible on the reserve. “After that, we will be assisting in the development of a sustainable long-term plan to ensure the health and survival of this critical rhino population Sadly, this rhino conservation initiative faces the same financial challenges as the population managed by John Hume, which recently failed to receive bids in an auction and now hangs in the balance,” Nusch explains.
To avoid a similar fate for these rhinos, Rhino Revolution has established an urgent fund to address this critical situation, and so far, they have delivered 15.4 tons of supplementary feed to the farm at a cost of R84 547.90. “We are looking for donations that will exclusively be used for feed and delivery expenses, with no administrative fees deducted. “Let us join forces to protect and preserve this rhino population facing the immense threat,” concluded Nusch. For more information on how to donate, contact Monika Boulanger at 082 606 1207.
