In the first ever private game reserve donation of rhino to another country, luxury experiential travel company andBeyond is translocating six white rhino from andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa to Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Facilitated in partnership with RHINO FORCE, this conservation coup has been generously funded by lead sponsor, Motorite Administrators.
"In 2012 alone, South Africa lost a devastating 668 rhino to illegal poaching, which is a 49 percent 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 ongoing survival of endangered species and this groundbreaking project led by andBeyond’s experienced conservation team aims to increase Africa’s dwindling rhino populations for future generations to enjoy,” says Joss Kent, &Beyond CEO.
The Okavango Delta has proven to be a successful rhino relocation habitat and Botswana has a strong security and monitoring framework in place whereby the military helps to protect the species.
"It’s the ideal opportunity for us to move our eggs out of one basket," explains andBeyond Conservation Manager, Les Carlisle. "The project has the full support of the Botswana Rhino Management Committee and we are thrilled to be driving such a vital initiative for rhino conservation in partnership with Motorite."
After years of negotiation and planning, the translocation process is underway. Game scouts from Botswana have undergone intensive tracking and monitoring training at andBeyond Phinda. The movement and behaviour of the six rhino will be closely monitored using satellite collars and 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.
All profits from the sale of RHINO FORCE bracelets go to andBeyond’s social development partner, Africa Foundation and are earmarked for projects focused on saving Africa’s rhino populations. Bracelets are sold in several retailers in South Africa and internationally through an e-commerce site. Visit www.rhinoforce.co.za to support the project or purchase online.
andBeyond guests can also purchase the beaded bracelet 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.
Learn more about rhino poaching and Rhinos without Borders in the video below [warning: contains graphic footage]
Baghdad's famous Palestine Hotel looks brand new after a revamp. Now, all it needs is customers.
Tourists to Myanmar could soon be riding along the infamous 'Death Railway'.
Behind the bamboo curtain, winemakers are trying to put Myanmar's vineyards on the map.
