To show support for South African rangers who risk their lives to safeguard rhinos, Rhino Force announced a new partnership with York Private Game Reserve near the Kruger National Park.
Proceeds from the sale of Rhino Force bracelets will cover the total remuneration packages of the reserve’s conservation team made up of trackers, field rangers and the head warden.
Additional support for the partnership came by way of a ‘spinathon’ held at Old Eds Virgin Active gym. The 90-minute spinathon raised R7700.
The International Ranger Federation confirmed the death of 41 rangers in 2012. Rhino Force co-founder Joanne Lapin Thorpe said she believed rangers should be “protected, valued and incentivised”.
“Our rangers deserve to be adequately renumerated, recognised by the media, and rewarded for their efforts, creating a climate where rangers can take the war to poachers,” she said.
The nature reserve, formed by private landowners 10 years ago, lies in the South-Western part of Balule Nature Reserve, and forms the unfenced South-Western boundary of the Greater Kruger system.
White rhino were introduced to the area nine years ago, and the reserve was actively involved in the WWF Black Rhino Expansion Project.
Reserve chairperson Andy Dott said, “We were delighted to finally join forces with such a credible business. These much-needed funds will go directly to the heart of the problem.”
Rhino Force is an initiative of The Bead Coalition, a commercial, cause-related organisation. People can support the ranger initiative by buying a bracelet or donating directly to the York rangers.
Details: www.rhinoforce.co.za; yorknaturereserve@yahoo.com
