Every year, on the 22nd of September, the World Rhino Day raises awareness of the terrible plight of the 5 surviving species of rhinos.

Rhinos are one of the oldest kinds of mammals on earth, and they were doing fine until mankind (at least in some parts of the world) decided that powdered rhino horn had curative powers. Well, it doesn’t, but old beliefs die hard, and as a result of hugely increased demand from Asia, rhinos are now being poached by the hundreds. In South Africa over 690 rhinos have been poached this year, and that’s already more than for the whole of last year (2012). Things are looking bleak for this rare animal indeed.

90% of all African rhinos live in South Africa, so this country is right in the middle of the storm that’s hitting this beautiful and rare animal.

We have had much rarer incidents of poaching on our reserve, and our rhino numbers are increasing. A rare exception! Good surveillance and rhino de-horning have done the trick, so far. Fingers crossed that the increased anti-poaching activities in this area start bearing fruits in the near future, because right now poaching levels have reached such levels that the total numbers are now decreasing. This is truly shocking.

Our guests are priviliged to witness rhinos up close on our reserve (see the photos taken 2 days ago by Mike and Jonathan), and we are proud to be an integral part of rhino conservation. Our guests ensure that the rhino conservation efforts are funded and that their conservation remains viable for the very long-term.