Zululand Conservation Trust raises R326 100 towards conservation
The funds will help support the Trust’s efforts to conserve the ever-threatened rhino population in the Zululand region.
A MASSIVE R326,100 was raised for the Zululand Conservation Trust at a glittering fundraiser at the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga on Wednesday, 8 November.
Packed with humour and warmth, the event was attended by traditional leader Nkosi Eugene Zulu patron of the Trust, along with a host of conservation-minded people.
The six-year old Zululand Rhino Reserve Foundation, which is globally renowned for its work with orphaned rhinos, and community related projects announced its rebranding as the Zululand Conservation Trust.
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The Trust was established as an NPO in 2011 in partnership with the Manyoni Private Game Reserve (formerly the Zululand Rhino Reserve). Key to its commitment to conservation is their work with neighbouring communities in efforts to ensure the welfare and protection of its wildlife and endangered species.
The R326,100 was raised through the auction of rhino jewellery created by a 230-year old British jewellery firm, Deakin & Francis as well as some artwork by local and international artist. A limited edition of a photographic portrait of Nelson Mandela by Matthew William fetched R90 000.
The funds will help support the Trust’s efforts to conserve the ever-threatened and dwindling rhino population, and other endangered species within the Zululand region.
The Foundation made headlines earlier this year with the successful release of two young male white rhinos. One, named Ithuba, was orphaned when his mother was killed by poachers, and the other, Thando, was abandoned by his mother when he got stuck in mud. The Foundation was able to fund their boarding at an orphanage, their release, as well as their vet bills and transport costs.
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David Attenborough, a Trustee of the Foundation, said: “We recognise that conservation is more about people than merely establishing game parks. At the heart of what we do is the empowerment of local communities by helping with their education and by forging partnerships in specific conservation initiatives to reinforce the value of wildlife and conservation.”
The proceeds from the event will fund projects that the Zululand Conservation Trust undertake, which include the ongoing support of the rhino orphans being raised in the Zululand Rhino Orphanage, which is a subsidiary of the Zululand Conservation Trust, as well as numerous community programmes.
For more information about the Trust go to https://www.zululandconservationtrust.orgor contact Frances Hannah on foundation@zululandrhinoreserve.co.za.
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