Thula Thula Rhino orphanage closes for security reasons

IN February the international conservation community was rocked by the news that the Fundimvelo Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage had been infiltrated by a gang of poachers who killed two rhino orphans and assaulted staff members on the site.

Since the attack, the Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization (LAEO), who administers the facility, has focused on the immediate safety of the staff, volunteers and remaining animals on site, as well as providing support for the police and security experts investigating the incident.

In a statement released on Tuesday explaining the way forward, LAEO Directors detailed an interim plan to move the animals and staff off-site to give their team a chance to recover from the trauma and allow management time to conduct independent security assessments and review the findings of the criminal investigation.

‘It is LAEO’s responsibility to ensure that we meticulously weigh up all the factors of the investigation and security reports,’ said LAEO’s Yvette Taylor.

‘Our focus is on ensuring that the facility is safe for both people and animals, managed according to best practice animal rehabilitation protocols, and is sustainable.’

Permanent closure

Ongoing security challenges experienced since the attack and the review of the independent security assessments have resulted in the LAEO Board of Directors making the heart wrenching decision to permanently close the Thula Thula rhino orphanage.

‘The security assessments highlighted critical issues that LAEO management felt could not be mitigated. These factors would have directly compromised the ongoing safety of everyone on-site.

Additional costs to provide extra 24/7 guards to adequately secure the facility in the long-term proved prohibitive and impacted on the sustainability of the facility.’

‘The decision was taken as a direct result of advice from security experts, anti-poaching professionals and senior police officers.’

FTTRO has made arrangements for the remainder of their donated funds to be channeled to the facilities who have taken over the care of the rhino calves.’

‘Our supporters made donations in good faith to support the care of rhino orphans and we will ensure that their donations are still used for that purpose,’ said Taylor.

‘The animals have now all been moved together with their handlers to ensure continuity of care, and all the rhino calves, as well as Charlie, the hippo, are doing well and have settled in their new surroundings.

‘The Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization wishes to thank the public for their overwhelming support during this challenging time,’ she concluded.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 072 069 4169

Instagram – zululand_observer