By Rebekah | Anti Poaching Team
We are thrilled to share some exciting updates from our ongoing efforts to protect and rehabilitate rhinos in South Africa, as well as from our educational initiatives that inspire the next generation of wildlife conservationists.
Success of The Lucky 5 and Progress with Rehabilitated Bulls
Since the successful release funded by your donations of The Lucky 5 in 2017, we've made significant strides in our anti-poaching efforts and rehabilitation program. One of the most rewarding outcomes has been the birth of three calves, as our female rhinos have mated and successfully given birth. This is a clear indicator of the health and viability of the rhino population we're working to protect.
However, measuring the success of our rehabilitated male rhinos is more complex. Male rhinos face a number of challenges after release, primarily related to establishing and defending territory and competing for mates. Currently, we are closely monitoring three of our rehabilitated bulls—Ubuntu, Nkonzo, and another young male—who are all reaching sexual maturity and navigating these challenges.
In particular, Ubuntu has shown promise, holding his ground during territorial disputes with other bulls. However, competition remains fierce as the other bulls challenge him for control of the area. Meanwhile, all three bulls are attempting to court females, though they have faced multiple rejections. The youngest of the group, Nkonzo, has had a particularly tough time trying to reconnect with his offspring, often being driven away.
While the journey to dominance is never straightforward, we are confident that the bulls will continue to adapt and thrive in the wild. Their ability to successfully establish themselves and contribute to the growth of the rhino population will be the ultimate measure of our rehabilitation success.
Your donations allow us to continue to mointor these success stories while we continue to provide food for our K9 response dogs, pruchase and look after the ex-race horses we are using for perimeter walks and your donations also fund our arm of anti poachers that are trained and equipped to respond to tresspassing alerts on all our reserves.
Educational Initiatives: Koru Camp Trip 2024
In addition to our work with rhinos, we were excited to host our fifth Koru Camp Trip of the year, again a really important initiative to engage the community and is fully funded with your AMAZING donations. Twelve children from our educational program had the rare opportunity to visit the world-famous Kruger National Park for a three-day adventure that immersed them in the wonders of nature.
Accompanied by our Kids Ambassador, Max Hiller from Germany, the children learned about the "Big Five"—elephants, rhinos, buffalo, lions, and leopards—while also engaging in team-building activities and leadership games. The children were not only given the opportunity to observe wildlife up close but also to gain a deeper understanding of their behaviors and the critical importance of conservation.
A special highlight of the trip was the visit from Tanja Goossens, who has been a generous supporter of the camp. Tanja’s efforts, which included collecting funds and book donations, have allowed us to establish a small library at the camp. This new resource will further enrich the educational experience for the children, providing them with valuable learning materials on wildlife conservation and the natural world. During the trip, Tanja read from one of these wildlife-focused children's books and joined the group on safaris, adding a personal touch to the experience.
Thank You for Your Support
Your continued support makes all of this possible. Whether you're helping us care for our rehabilitated rhinos or ensuring that children in our program gain hands-on experiences with wildlife, you are contributing to a brighter future for both the animals and the people we serve.
We look forward to keeping you updated on the progress of our anti-poaching efforts and educational initiatives. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the preservation of rhinos and the education of future conservation leaders.
Thank you once again for being a vital part of our mission.
Warm regards,
By Lloyd | Project Volunteer
By Lynette du Plessis | Communications & Fundraising Intern
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