Protect and Save the life of Our Rhinos

Introduction

Action Change (formerly GVI Trust) has been at the forefront of efforts to protect and save the life of our rhinos. The Black Rhino is classified as critically endangered, and the White Rhino is threatened. Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting the medicinal value of rhino horns, they are sold at exorbitant prices in the illegal trade market. This has led to rampant poaching, with hundreds of rhinos being killed for their horns. The urgency to act is now.

Financial Overview

The total goal for this project is $100,000, with $27,224 remaining. 831 donors have supported the project, including four monthly donors, and has been promoted through nine fundraisers over the past 10 years.

The Challenge

Rhino poaching is a devastating problem across both public and private sectors. At least three rhinos are poached in South Africa every day, predominantly due to a lack of resources and intelligence. We are in a constant battle with criminal masterminds who are always two steps ahead. The financial incentive for rhino poachers, coupled with high unemployment rates in rural communities, compels poachers to force entry into reserves to target rhinos.

The Solution

This project has multiple elements:

1. Closed Rhino Rehab Centre: Our centre is closed to the public to ensure successful reintroduction of the rhinos into the wild. Excessive human interaction can hinder this process.
2. Anti-Poaching: We use K9’s and retired racehorses for reserve perimeter patrols, which helps keep the reserves safe from poachers and saves on fuel.
3. Emergency Response: We have a system in place for responding to poacher alarms.
4. Community Outreach: We engage children to be ambassadors for us in the community.

Long-Term Impact

We have already seen significant success with this project, as shown by a decline in successful attacks. However, attempts are still being made. Our hope is to provide awareness and education to dismantle this illegal trade and ensure the survival of rhinos. The fight continues, and every contribution brings us one step closer to our goal. Together, we can be effective in making a difference.