24 April 2009 - Bakubung helps conserve Rhino

While rhino populations worldwide have dropped drastically due to poaching and habitat loss, South Afirca's two sub-species - the Black and White Rhino have started to prosper under the watchful eye of conservation groups like the Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust.

Conservation of rhino in SA has come a long way since Dr Ian Player spearheaded Operation Rhino in 1952 to save the last few remaining white rhino, saving them from extinction. It has now gotten to the stage were White Rhino are freely available on the Game market and many are sold each year to both private and government organizations to re-introduce into areas where they no longer occur.

With this growth in the rhino population, genetic integrity of the species is of utmost Importance. This requires that rhino be individuallyidentified and monitored. A numbering system, cutting a small V notch into its ear, to mark each animal, making it identifiable. This allows for the monitoring of movement and breeding of individual animals.

This is where your company comes into the equation. For a donation of R25 000 to the Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust, up to 15 members of your staff can help with the identification process. By paying to participate in a Rhino immobilization not only do you get to experience a once in a lifetime event but also contribute to conservation and the furthered protection of these amazing creatures.

The operation is carried out with a Helicopter to aid in the location of the an animal which is then darted and hearded to a suitable location. Once the animal has been imobilised, guests are transferred in game viewing vehicles and have a grandstand view of the procedure. Once the Rhino is sedated completely guests then have the opportunity to get off the vehicle and help the veterinary team.

For information on this project, dates on which you can participate and accommodation rates at Bakubung, contact the lodge on +27 (0)14 552 6000 or bakubung@legacyhotels.co.za.