Only recently, rhinos in India were killed for their horns. In the first ever private game reserve donation of rhino to another country, luxury experiential travel company &Beyond is translocating six white rhino from &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa to Botswana's Okavango Delta where the animals will be safer as a result of that country's efficient anti-poaching programmes.
Facilitated in partnership with RHINO FORCE, this conservation project has been funded by Motorite Administrators.
"In 2012 alone, South Africa lost a devastating 668 rhino to illegal poaching, which is a 49% increase from the previous year's figure of 448. Botswana has an excellent security system in place to protect these endangered animals and will be a safe haven for the six relocated rhino. Translocations are fundamental to secure the survival of endangered species. This project is led by &Beyond's conservation team and aims to increase Africa's dwindling rhino populations for future generations to enjoy," says Joss Kent, &Beyond CEO.
Game scouts from Botswana have undergone intensive tracking and monitoring training at &Beyond Phinda to up-skill them to track the movement and behaviour of the six rhino which will also be closely monitored using satellite collars, telemetry and tracking equipment. A portion of this equipment as well as anti-poaching uniforms and binoculars have been supplied by the Chipembere Rhino Foundation.
Staying on trend by involving guests in conservation projects, &Beyond sells beaded bracelets or a specially designed "Rhinos Without Borders" t-shirt at the lodge Safari Shops in South Africa and Botswana. All proceeds will go towards the rhino translocation and all profits from the sale of RHINO FORCE bracelets go to &Beyond's social development partner, Africa Foundation. These funds are ring-fenced for rhino-saving projects. Bracelets are also available in retailers in South Africa and internationally through an e-commerce site. Visit www.rhinoforce.co.za to support the project or purchase online.
To follow the project and for translocation updates, follow &Beyond on Facebook and Twitter or visit www.andBeyond.com to read Les's blog, "Carlisle on Conservation" (www.andBeyond.com/carlisle_on_conservation).
