POLOKWANE – “During full moon it is very light outside and this is ideal for poachers to poach rhino’s. We realised we need boots on the ground and since there were a lot of people who wanted to help, I decided to organise night patrols ”
Carmela is owner of Isimbi Legacy Projects, they go out and actively try to save the rhino’s.
“It all started with Limpopo Rhino Security Group, a group of private rhino owners who are helping each other and support each other in the fight against poaching. After my rhino, Isimbi, was poached on October 31 2014, I made a promise to the rest of my rhino’s that I will do anything and everything to keep them save.”
The story started when Carmela invited the band DZL to the farm for a weekend. During this weekend in 2014, Isimbi was poached. One of the band members’ sister, Tertia Jooste heard about the poaching and started Rhino Connect, a voice for rhino owners. They assist in protecting the rhino’s. Later on Carmela registered the Isimbi Legacy Projects.
“Rhino moon is a project where volunteers come and walk with us, doing night patrol, looking for rhino poachers. A 100% of the profits from this weekend goes to the rhino’s. You can also adopt a rhino where you pay R3 000 a month that will go towards feeding the rhino’s. You as adopter will receive feedback on your rhino, photos as well as a weekend break-away for six people after six months of paying. All adopters will be investigated thoroughly, especially in order to ensure that they are suitable to keep a secret, are loyal and trustworthy.”
Read more: No more rhinos in Polokwane’s Game Reserve
A rhino moon weekend consist of much more than just patrolling, as volunteers also do target shooting, snare patrol and tracking and observation. A safety briefing are given to them before everything starts and the police rhino task team also shares information on rhino poaching in the province. If you are interested in becoming a donor or want to know more about the organisation contact Carmela at 083 448 5820.
Read more about Review journalist, Maretha Swanepoel’s rhino moon experience in this week’s Review.
