On September 22, wildlife lovers around the world join in solidarity to mark World Rhino Day! Morukuru Family stands allied with conservation organisations and members of the public to pledge our ongoing commitment to rhino protection.
Dr. Susie Ellis, executive director of the International Rhino Foundation said in a recent interview “This year, we’re at a critical point for rhinos. We must do what it takes to ensure they survive, or we will start losing species. Protecting the five species in range countries, cracking down on poaching, dealing with governmental corruption, stopping the demand for rhino horn, and securing habitats is the way forward.”
Statistics reveal that Rhino are currently being poached at a rate of three per day which translates into the terrifying prediction that this species will be extinct by 2023! Our Morukuru Goodwill Foundation (MGWF) invests substantially towards combating rhino poaching within the Madikwe game reserve by supporting and assisting with a number of critical initiatives.
All rhino in the park are notched which gives each animal an identity. Guests from the UK Nick and Jo Riley declared their support for wildlife conservation and accompanied a team of rangers on a notching expedition and said: “ It was such an experience to witness the notching operation. You feel like you are part of a wildlife documentary”.
Notching involves marking the rhino ears and inserting a chip into the horn which allows conservationists to record information about individual animals such as territory, age and birth rate. Plus DNA samples are taken and recorded during the notching operation which can be used as evidence in rhino poaching criminal proceedings.
Guests at Morukuru Family Madikwe have the unique opportunity of making a personal contribution towards the war against rhino poaching by sponsoring a rhino notching operation and joining the rangers on their conservation missions. Recently the Greiner family who was staying at our Morukuru Farmhouse volunteered as part of our team on a notching operation what a powerful experience and what amazing life-long memories. We hope you enjoy this wonderful video created by the family on their experience.
Supporting the anti-poaching teams is crucial and funds from the MGWF as well as generous donations from guests go towards helping these teams with training and essential equipment. Rhino poachers are highly trained and heavily armed so it is important that the anti-poaching rangers have the skills and equipment to tackle these guerrillas and be qualified in armed combat as well as bush survival.
Rachel Louise Carson a celebrated American marine biologist, author, and conservationist said “No-one needs a Rhino horn but a rhino ”. The entire Morukuru Family couldn’t agree more and we fully support all conservation efforts to end rhino poaching today and everyday.
For more info on our “Safari with a Purpose” package
