African Parks, a non-profit organization, recently declared its takeover of the most expansive rhino sanctuary globally, nestled in South Africa and home to an impressive population of 2,000 rhinos.
This development emerges amidst growing concerns for protecting these majestic beings, particularly in South Africa, a notorious ground for poaching stimulated by the high demand for rhino horns in ancient Asian medical practices.
Despite heightened security measures implemented in renowned national reserves like Kruger, the region witnessed the devastating loss of 448 rhinos in the previous year, a figure scarcely less than that recorded in 2021.
To alleviate this crisis, African Parks has assumed responsibility for the pivotal rhino breeding facility, encompassing a vast 7,800 hectares in the North West province and currently harbouring 15 per cent of the global surviving wild southern white rhino population.
Initially, under the proprietorship of the 81-year-old South African conservationist John Hume, the sanctuary sought a well-off successor to safeguard it from looming poaching threats. Sadly, there were no potential candidates.
Hume dedicated an estimated $150 million to his charitable endeavour of conserving the world’s second-largest terrestrial animal, channelling a significant portion of the funds towards fortifying the farm’s security and monitoring systems.
The species, which faced near extinction at the close of the 19th century, has witnessed a gradual revival owing to continuous protection and propagation initiatives.
This milestone purchase signifies a considerable advancement in rhino preservation, accentuating the imperative nature of shielding these grand beasts from the unceasing peril of poaching in South Africa.
