These are some of the Hero’s of Rhino Conservation;
uMkhuze Crack Unit, Reserve Manager Eduard Goosen with (from left) Jiza Myeni, Mabheka Jobe, Philasande Nzimande and Jabulani Mkwanase.
Honoured for dedication: Staff Sergeant Bhekinkosi Mkhwanazi was awarded the Maqubu Ntombela Award for being Ezemvelo’s best field ranger last year.
Rex the Rhino Conservation Fund salutes you all for your dedication and commitment.
Charlotte and Arne Holm learned about the Rex team having travelled on no less than ten tours with Bhejane Adventures! Being on the Board of Directors of Danish Foundation, the Alice Perssons Memory Legacy, which donates funds to animal protection in Denmark and abroad, they made a whopping donation R110 000 to Rex the Rhino.
Infrastructure for rewilding pens for orphaned rhino’s was provided together with the funds necessary for the translocation of these rhino’s to protected areas. But none of this work would have been possible without the ongoing support of people like Arne and Charlotte who are helping to make an indelible conservation impact.
In the war against poaching he who is better equipped, better trained, better motivated and better camouflaged, wins. Standard issue khaki field ranger uniforms do not stand up to the rigours of long range anti-poaching patrols, thorny bushes, ticks, mud, dust, rivers and rain. However, a South African uniform company has developed an overall that handles all the above, is excellent camouflage and provides comfort during those long hot hours in the field.
Rick and Denise Neilands, friends of Bhejane Adventures, introduced us to Zimbali Rotary Club, the Club got involved and the result was a large number of these specialised uniforms for the game guards at iMfolozi. Following this, the Neilands added to the funds already raised and purchased new uniforms for the entire field ranger contingent in the park.
Visibility for Rex the Rhino Conservation Fund is growing rapidly with appearances at a number of prominent cycle races. Ahead of the pack Frank Carlisle and Lyndsey King rode the Storms River Traverse pushing rhino awareness Pedal power at its best! and as always, ahead of the pelaton, Dewald Wepener created quite a stir for Rex by Riding for Rhinos at the 94.7 Momentum Cycle Challenge. Nice work Dewald.
A fundraising initiative led by The Ridge School, an incredible R10 000 was raised by Matthew Williams who was subsequently nominated for an Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Old Mutual Excellency Award. Funds from Matthew’s phenominal work, enabled purchasing of equipment for the anti-poaching unit in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. You are an inspiration for young and not to young people around the world, working towards rhino conservation – congratulations and heartfelt thanks Matthew!
Kruger to Mozambique, via Swaziland, 3 countries in 6 days is a tour with many highlights, but this particular tour was pretty amazing, and here’s why;
In Swaziland we had the amazing opportunity of watching the talented glassblowers of Ngwenya Glass create a little glass Rex the Rhino and on the last night of this very special tour, our guide, Riaan Haasbroek, auctioned the beautiful glass Rex and the group of big hearted travellers raised a total of R6 500. Niiice work guys!
Dewald Wepener and the AC Auto Team of Cyclists reased the bar at the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Race. Their team effort produced an outstanding R43 000 for the Rex the Rhino Conservation Fund. On had to receive the cheque was Rex founder Frank Carlisle and Bhejane tour leader and Rex ambassador, Riaan Haasbroek.
Liwonde National Park has been the site of some incredible wildlife reintroductions and translocations. It is a haven for wildlife and a valuable asset for Malawi and its people. Craig Reid from Liwonde National Parks was listed as one of the top fundraisers for Rhino Conservation during the Virgin London Marathon. A big shout out to one of the team and one of the best!
From the UK, Fran-Effie Whiteford-Williams has made multiple donations to the Rex the Rhino Conservation Fund. An accomplished artist and conservationist, in excess of 400 pounds from the sale of Fran’s artworks as well as other fundraising initiatives, have been donated. Huge shout out to Fran