For the love of rhinos

HYDE PARK - In an effort to raise funds for the Save the Rhino campaign, eight-year-old SANParks Rhino Champion, Alyssa Carter painted a life-size baby rhino at Hyde Park Corner on Friday 6 March.

March 10, 2015

Tsholofelo Mosina 1 minute read

FINAL PRODUCT- Clement Mkhize and Alyssa Carter with the life-size baby rhino.

Organised by My Rhino, and supported by Hyde Park Corner, the event was aimed at creating awareness of the beleaguered rhino and to raise funds for the cause.

Little Carter has already raised a whopping R270 000 and has handed over R100 000 to her chosen beneficiary, the SANParks Honorary Rangers, who are the preferred channel for counter poaching support for South African National Parks.

If that’s not enough, Carter is making a huge impact in the conservation world, and has over 1 350 likes from around the globe on her Facebook page.

” I wanted to do something to save the rhino because they are my favourite animal,” said Carter.

The little rhino champ explained that her baby rhino design would have hearts and flowers.

Assisting Carter was fine artist Clement Mkhize who explained that he would be assisting her finish the rhino. “I’ll just be assisting Alyssa, as it will be a little difficult for an eight-year-old to work on such a large surface,” said Mkhize. According to Mkhize the rhino is made of fiberglass, and weighs approximately 15kg.

The painted rhino design will be replicated by the artists at My Rhino in a limited edition series of rhino families which will be available to order. The life-sized baby rhino will be auctioned later this year to raise further funds.