Esme is a rescued rhino that arrived at HESC in October 2017. She was skin and bones when she arrived, as her mothers milk was not providing any nutrients to her little body. We have slowly and successfully nursed her back to health. Currently Esme has 4 feeding times a day, with her special formula of milk, which is very costly. We can confirm that she will be fully weaned by April 2019. We need all the help we can get to cover her daily costs, which is a big commitment from our side.
Rhino poaching continues to be driven by the demand for rhino horn in Asian countries where it is used in traditional Chinese medicine, and for ornamental purposes as a symbol of success and wealth. The scarcity of rhinos today and the corresponding intermittent availability of rhino horn only drives the price higher, and intensifies the pressure on the declining rhino populations. Both black and white rhino populations in South Africa are under serious threat due to poaching.
This project aims to assist in the rehabilitation and reintroduction of orphaned and injured rhinos, affected directly by poaching, to the wild. The project aims to raise awareness for the plight of the species among surrounding communities, the youth and the general public. It is hoped that with its experience, HESC can assist in the development of standard protocols for the treatment, rehabilitation, reintroduction and protection of the species.
Due to this increase in the number of rhinos killed, it has become essential for HESC to expand our current facilities. And in so doing, we will provide land, facilities as well as support in the rescue, relocation and care of orphaned, traumatized and injured rhinos. At such a critical time, each and every rhino becomes important to ensure that sufficient animals are protected to conserve the genetic viability of the species. It is essential that wounded & orphaned rhinos are given a 2nd chance
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
