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US Tycoon Fights For White Rhino Trophy

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:00 GMT

One of the richest men in America is embroiled in a heated legal battle with South African wildlife officials to recover the trophy head of a white rhino bull.

The twist to the story is that the rhino at the centre of the row appears to be alive and healthy in Mkhuze game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal after surviving a hunting attempt more than three months ago by Texas property tycoon H Ross Perot jr, son of H Ross Perot, 79, former US presidential candidate who stood against George Bush (sr) and Bill Clinton in the 1992 presidential elections.

The animal was apparently shot and wounded by Perot jr in late July, but the bull ran off and wildlife officials have been unable to find any sign of a carcass or a wounded animal - indicating that it suffered a flesh wound or was not seriously injured.

professional hunter acting for Perot then engaged lawyers to allow a "follow-up" operation and it was agreed that Perot could have the animal's head if it was tracked down during a hunting operation scheduled to start this weekend.

But in a dramatic about-turn last night, conservation authorities pulled the plug on the second hunt and declared that Perot was no longer entitled to his trophy horns in any circumstances.

The initial decision to allow Perot's agents to have a "second bite at the cherry" drew strong opposition after it emerged that the animal would be shot by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife if there was a visible bullet wound from Perot's large-calibre hunting rifle.

Despite initial opposition, Ezemvelo later agreed that the trophy head and skin would become the property of Perot and could be shipped back to Texas. But last-minute discussions were held last night between Ezemvelo chief executive Bandile Mkhize and Andrew Zaloumis, chief executive of the IsiMangaliso Wetland Park world heritage site.

Shortly before The Mercury was about to publish the story, Mkhize and Zaloumis announced that there would be no second hunt and if Ezemvelo were to track down the animal and find that it was suffering they would put it out of its misery - but Perot no longer had any claim to its head.

Garry Kelly, the South African professional hunter who was sub-contracted to accompany Perot on the first hunt, had insisted that the primary purpose of the follow-up operation at Mkhuze was to ensure the wounded animal was tracked down and destroyed to spare it further pain and suffering.

Other sources felt the decision to allow a follow-up was "morally absurd" and merely a pretext to obtain the animal's head. They said the animal had suffered a flesh wound and was unlikely to bear any remaining visible wounds.

Kelly said the fate of the trophy head was irrelevant to him and he was simply completing his professional duty to follow the hunt to its conclusion. However, his attorney has stated that the current health status of the animal became immaterial to the trophy contract the moment it was struck by a bullet.

"The American client of my client (Kelly) has paid a vast sum of money, so there is an issue of getting the trophy... the legal issue is that there is a contract which says they are entitled and obliged to do what they are doing. The (American) client says he can't come back (to South Africa) and feels: 'I've paid for it and I want it (the trophy).'"

The Mercury has established from correspondence that Perot jr, 47, was accompanied on the recent African safari by one of his sons, Hill Perot, 27.

While Perot jr apparently bungled his shot in the controlled hunting zone of the Mkhuze reserve, Hill Perot is understood to have succeeded in bagging his own rhino trophy.

Judging from pictures posted on his "Facebook" and "MySpace" online networking sites, Hill Perrot already has an extensive trophy collection.

Neither Kelly nor his Pietermaritzburg attorney, Pat Dewes, would confirm the identity of their American client, but a spokesman for Perot confirmed his involvement through an e-mail message which referred all queries to Kelly.

Dewes said the American client (Perot) was "not a novice" and was required by the Ezemvelo hunting contract to undergo a marksmanship proficiency test before he was allowed to proceed with the hunt.

A flurry of legal letters was exchanged between Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Kelly, reportedly with the support of Perot jr.

He insisted on an opportunity to do a follow-up hunt for the injured animal. But Ezemvelo CEO Bandile Mkhize declined this request on the basis that hunting rules and codes of conduct did not permit this. If an animal was wounded and could not be recovered it was considered forfeit. Mkhize also expressed concern about the difficulty of tracking and identifying the bull.

Last month, however, Ezemvelo acceded to Kelly's requests and allowed him permission for "one final search".

In a subsequent letter, Mkhize made it clear that the rhino could be shot only if the animal was identified according to agreed criteria and "if there is any doubt the animal will not be shot".

It made no mention, however, of the current health status of the animal being a factor in the decision to hunt it a second time.

Kelly's attorney has taken the view that if the animal was identified and shot by Ezemvelo officials his clients were automatically entitled to possession of the trophy head and skin.

Perot jr is listed on the Forbes list of America's richest people, although he is not quite as rich as his more famous father. Perot jr's wealth fell from $2,2bn to $1,25bn in the most recent Forbes list.

It is not known how much Perot jr paid for the hunt, but sources suggest a single rhino trophy hunting package would cost in the region of R500 000.

While the issue of rhino hunting remains contentious, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife offers at least two hunts in the Mkhuze reserve every year on a tender basis, and an average of 30 white rhinos are also auctioned annually to private buyers, including hunters.

Several conservation authorities have acknowledged the role of hunting and private ownership in boosting the species' recovery. But now the failed hunting attempt by Perot jr has raised fresh concerns around the issue of rhino hunting.

News items on this page are from external sources and the International Rhino Foundation cannot be held responsible for the authenticity of their content, nor for the continuing presence of original links.

6-Nov-09 2:00 PM

Zoo Hoping Rhino's 2nd Pregnancy Will Succeed

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:00:00 GMT

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Zoo is hoping a rhino's second pregancy will result in what officials say would be the world's first live birth of an Indian rhinoceros conceived through artificial insemination.

Zoo officials also say a successful delivery for 18-year-old Nikki would result in the first such calf produced using frozen and thawed sperm.

The nearly 2-ton rhino gave birth to a stillborn calf in 2008. The new delivery is expected in October 2010.

Nikki is on loan from the Toronto Zoo and is 133 days into a 480-day gestation period. The sperm came from a 38-year-old Indian rhino at the Bronx Zoo.

Male Indian rhinos have been known to injure females in natural breeding. The Indian rhino is ranked vulnerable on a threatened species list.

5-Nov-09 2:00 PM

Rhino Expecting Again

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:00:00 GMT

A Cincinnati Zoo rhinoceros whose groundbreaking pregnancy resulted in a stillborn calf in 2008 is expecting again.

If all goes well, next October the zoo will celebrate the world's first live birth of an Indian rhino conceived by artificial insemination. It would also be the first such calf produced using frozen and thawed sperm.

Nikki, an 18-year-old, 3,950-pound rhino on indefinite loan from the Toronto Zoo, is 133 days into a 480-day gestation period.

"It looks great. We have high hopes," said Monica Stoops, reproductive physiologist for the zoo's Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife, or CREW. She's the scientist who developed the techniques that made such a pregnancy possible.

Vinu, a 38-year-old Indian rhino at the Bronx Zoo, is the father. His sperm was collected in 2005 and stored for four years at 320 degrees below zero in CREW's CryoBioBank. The sperm was thawed for the artificial insemination procedure in June.

Stoops was confident the procedure would work because it had been successful before, in 2006. That time, Nikki experienced a normal pregnancy, but 492 days into it, on Jan. 5, 2008, she delivered a stillborn female calf.

"We knew there was a large chance that could happen because she was an older female having a baby for the first time," Stoops said. "As we've seen with all the stud book records we go through, all the females that have had stillborns with their first calf go on to have successful second births. That makes us feel really good."

Ideally, Stoops said, the zoo would breed the animals naturally. But male Asian rhinos - which include Sumatran and Indian rhinos - are extremely aggressive and are known to injure the females.

There are 60 Indian rhinos in captivity in North America, the zoo said. Cincinnati has no males and one other female, but "she has not been able to carry a calf," Stoops said. That female is expected to be replaced by another female from the Wilds, a wildlife conservation preserve in southeastern Ohio.

Successful breeding is important in maintaining the genetic diversity necessary to keep the population healthy.

The Indian rhino is one of five rhino species. It is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of threatened species.

The species nearly became extinct in the early 1900s due to loss of habitat and hunting. Thanks to conservation efforts, the population has grown and in May 2007 was estimated at 2,575, the IUCN says.

5-Nov-09 9:00 AM

Up to 70 Rhinos to Charge on to Streets of Cheshire West from Next Week

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

UP to 70 decorated rhino sculptures will stampede onto the streets of Chester next summer capturing the imagination of tourists and residents alike.

Rhino Mania, to be launched next week, follows in the footsteps of Liverpool’s successful Superlambanana public art festival and Manchester’s Cow Parade.

Organised by Chester Renaissance and Wild in Art, the 10 week happening, from early July to mid September 2010, will lead to the appearance of scores of 5ft by 6ft rhino sculptures created by local artists.

It will provide a trail through the city, from the river to the business park, out to the zoo – which has endangered black and one horned rhinos – and through Chester’s neighbourhoods, encouraging visitors to join the charge.

Organisers say the trail will attract thousands of people and encourage residents to be “visitors in their own city” – highlighting gems of the city, perhaps unseen by visitors and residents, as well as areas of development and regeneration.

5-Nov-09 8:00 AM

Quarter of Zimbabwe's Rhinos Killed by Poachers

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:00:00 GMT

HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe has lost about 200 rhinoceroses -- a quarter of its total population -- to rampant poaching over the last three years as security and the economy deteriorated, state media reported on Tuesday.

The southern African country has been badly damaged by an economic crisis, which critics blame on President Robert Mugabe's seizure of white-owned farms, including wildlife farms, to resettle landless blacks.

The director of the National Parks and Wildlife Authority, Morris Mutsambiwa, told a parliamentary committee that 86 poachers linked to international smuggling syndicates had been arrested this year alone.

"We have lost close to 200 rhinos in the last two to three years," Mutsambiwa was quoted saying by the Herald newspaper.

"From the intelligence we are gathering, we strongly believe that there are syndicates which operate in the region, involving locals."

Estimates put Zimbabwe's black and white rhino population at about 500 and 300, respectively.

Mutsambiwa said poachers were mainly targeting the low-lying south-eastern part of Zimbabwe and the Zambezi valley to the north. Asia seemed to be the main destination for the illicit rhino horns.

Mutsambiwa said the wildlife authority was unable to provide adequate security, hence the rise in poaching cases.

"We haven't been able to generate enough revenue for rhino protection. KwaZulu-Natal (in South Africa) spends $3,000 per square metre, while we spend less than $10," he said.

3-Nov-09 10:00 AM

Pittsburgh Zoo Hopes Rhino Match Produces a Spark

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Pittsburgh Zoo visitors could see some hot and very heavy action in coming days as black rhinoceroses Azzizi and Jomo meet and mate for the first time.

The courtship and coupling of the two-ton animals, if it occurs, has the potential to be violent, loud, lengthy and Earth-moving in a most literal sense, said Dr. Barbara Baker, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium president and chief executive officer.

"The courtship is usually very entertaining. It can be aggressive, loud and vocal with head-butting and hitting and nipping," Dr. Baker said at a news conference yesterday outside the one-acre rhino yard where the mating will take place. "He chases her. She chases him. They make a lot of noise.

"We just want to alert zoo visitors and make sure they know it's OK."

Azzizi, a 10-year-old female born at the Cleveland Zoo, and 14-year-old Jomo, who was born at the San Diego Zoo and came to Pittsburgh when he was a year old, are housed in adjacent stalls in the zoo's rhino barn but have never been together outside in the public yard. Rhinos in the wild are solitary animals except during mating season.

Dr. Baker said that when Azzizi, begins her next breeding cycle next week, they will meet for the first time outside and nature will be allowed to take its thunderous course.

The last black rhino birth in Pittsburgh was 30 years ago. If Azzizi and Jomo mate, a new rhino calf would be born in 15 to 16 months, possibly in January 2011. Rhino calves weigh between 70 and 100 pounds at birth. Adult black rhinos, which are actually gray, weight between 1,700 and 3,000 pounds.

Zoo officials and keepers have done everything possible short of Sinatra and chardonnay to make sure the tryst comes off without a hitch. They conducted blood tests that showed Azzizi is cycling regularly and had rhino experts from Berlin, Germany, do ultrasound testing to determine she is able to reproduce.

Because the mating can be rough, zoo keepers have begun giving Azzizi vitamin E shots to help alleviate any muscle soreness. Yesterday, a zoo keeper was filing down Azzizi's horns, which can be very sharp, to minimize the potential for injury to Jomo during courtship.

"It is tough to explain exactly what will be going on but we do know that during the mating ritual, their behavior is totally different from anything we have seen before or that our visitors have seen or heard," Dr. Baker said. "There will be zoo staff on hand to explain rhino behavior and we will block off areas around the rhino exhibit."

Zoo visitors wishing to view the rhino yard during the mating will be able to do so but from a greater distance than usual. Zoo officials will be on hand to alert parents with children.

There are 30 black rhinos in North American zoos and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which recommended the breeding in Pittsburgh, has set a target of four to seven births per year, a number needed to maintain a 3 percent birth rate, which would sustain the population. The goal is to grow the captive black rhino population to 72 rhinos. Black rhinos have a life span of 40 to 45 years in zoos.

There are five species of rhinos: the Sumatran, Javan, black, white and Indian. The black, Javan and white rhinos are considered critically endangered. Black rhinos, native to Africa, number about 4,240 in the wild. A global action plan to protect all rhinos is under development.

31-Oct-09 10:00 AM

Zoo Tries to Get Rhinos in the Mood

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Pittsburgh Zoo visitors could see some hot and very heavy action in the rhino yard in coming days as black rhinoceroses meet and mate for the first time.

The coupling, if it occurs, will involve Azzizi, a 10-year-old female born at the Cleveland Zoo, and 14-year-old Jomo, who was born at the San Diego Zoo and came to Pittsburgh when he was a year old.

Barbara Baker, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium president and chief operating officer, held a news conference outside the rhino yard today to alert zoo visitors that they could be witness to some rough but "entertaining" animal sex.

"When in the mood," Dr. Baker said, "rhinos are very aggressive toward one another. They will roar, chase, and even hit each other before they actually mate. The entire breeding event can last anywhere from two to three hours and can sometimes be violent."

The last black Rhino birth in Pittsburgh occurred 30 years ago.

If the zoo's current residents successfully mate, a new rhino calf would be born in 15 to 16 months and weigh in at between 70 and 100 pounds.

Adult black rhinos, which are actually gray, weigh between 1,700 and 3,000 pounds. They are considered endangered in the wild where they number about 4,240.

There are 30 in North American zoos, and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which recommended the breeding in Pittsburgh, has set a target of 4 to 7 births per year, a number needed to maintain a 3 percent birth rate, which will sustain the population. The goal is to grow the black rhino population to 72 rhinos.

30-Oct-09 3:00 PM

Chester Zoo Rhino Calf Celebrates His First Birthday With a Tasty Treat

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:00:00 GMT

EASTERN Black Rhinoceros calf Asani tucked into his first birthday treat on Thursday.

Asani, who was born to mum Kitani on October 29 last year, celebrated the special occasion with a delicious carrot, beetroot, banana and courgette cake made by his keepers.

The calf, which has doubled in size over the last 12 months, made light work of his tasty treat.

Chas Mackenzie, team leader for the rhino section, said: “All ‘toddlers’ enjoy their first birthday and, although Asani is definitely bigger than your average one year old, he’s no exception when it comes to enjoying his birthday.

“Asani’s name is Swahili for rebellious and he is certainly a proper handful but we’re hoping he behaves like the perfect birthday boy today.”

Asani was the first Black Rhino to be born at the zoo in tenyears and the first newborn for Kitani.

His arrival was even more significant as the Eastern Black Rhinos remains perilously close to extinction in the wild with only 700 animals left.

Asani was joined by another black rhino calf in May this year with the arrival of Bashira, born to mum Ema Elsa.

30-Oct-09 3:00 PM

Animals Gorge Themselves on Gourds

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:00:00 GMT

TAMPA - The trick was on the Lowry Park Zoo visitors at today's annual pumpkin toss, a holiday treat for the animals.

Alex, a 12-year-old chimpanzee, decided to throw the pumpkins at the crowd, who watched various animals chomp and play with carved pumpkins, stuffed with goodies.

Jane LeFave, a zookeeper, said Alex is basically entering his teen years "and he has to show off."

He is the only male in the compound, she said, and "he has to display and show he's in charge."

The pumpkin toss is a special enrichment program for the animals, with each pumpkin filled with peanuts, dried fruit, honey and other treats, depending on the recipient. The enrichment is designed to stimulate them, change their routine and increase social interaction.

"Although they get daily enrichment, they only get the pumpkins once a year," LeFave said. "The pumpkins can keep them busy for a good hour."

The Indian rhinoceros received pumpkins cut in half to keep them from choking. Java, born July 7, didn't know what to do with hers and kept moving it with her snout.

The white tigers used theirs as balls and threw them in the water.

The crowd of parents, pre-schoolers and nature lovers applauded as the orangutans caught the pumpkins in their hands and quickly devoured the holiday treat.

Bill Stentz of Land O'Lakes brought his daughters, Alex, 3, and Maggie, 1, to the pumpkin toss.

Alex, dressed in an orange shirt and skirt, liked the tigers' reaction best.

"I like it that they throwed them in the water," Alex said.

30-Oct-09 10:00 AM

China Sticks to Anti-ban Stance

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:00:00 GMT

KATHMANDU, Oct 29: Restating its stance in favor of tiger farming, the Chinese delegation at the ongoing Kathmandu Global Tiger Workshop said Wednesday that China cannot put an end to its tiger farming as medicine produced from tiger parts is supplied to 60 countries.

Professor Xiong of Beijing University in his presentation at the interaction said that although China recognizes the need to stop habitat loss, it will be extremely difficult for the country to put a ban on tiger breeding and farming, a participant of the program told myrepublica.com on condition of anonymity.

The source said that China´s anti-ban stance was criticized by other participants. Stephen Board, Executive Director of Traffic International, is said to have pointed to the need of “attitudinal change” by countries involved in tiger farming. Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Russia, among others, are also said to be engaging is breeding practices, besides China.

The media was prohibited from attending the interaction.

Stating that the total trade in animal parts has now crossed $10 billion in Asia alone, which is second only to the illegal trade in arms, the Global Tiger Workshop has pointed out the urgent need for governments to design proactive national policies aimed at nipping poaching in the bud.

In addition, participants have strongly urged decision makers to change the paradigm of the management model and equip the concerned departments with new and modern technology to fight poachers. Similarly, they have stressed capacity-building of staff and strengthening the intelligence unit to identify poaching sites. Moreover, they have urged states to formulate a clear system and revive the existing mechanism between and among countries to stop trafficking in animal parts.

Save the Tiger Fund, the US-based Rhino and Tiger Conservation Fund and Panthera Foundation have jointly pledged 3-4 million US dollars to identify top priorities and support government efforts to fight illegal trade in tiger parts.

The workshop on Wednesday deliberated on topics ranging from steps to be taken to integrate nature conservation into development priorities and arresting habitat deterioration caused by infrastructure development and land use to engaging communities to protect tiger landscapes and helping people come out of the poverty trap, which, they said, requires “game changing actions” in order to reverse the current trajectory of extinction.

The participants also discussed strengthening wildlife enforcement and governance, improving landscape management and capacity development, suppressing demand for wild tiger parts, enhancing demand for live wild tiger, estimating conservation resource needs and developing innovative financing mechanisms.

India urged to hold anti-poaching talks

In a bid to seek renewed commitment in controlling illegal trafficking in animal parts and poaching activities from its southern neighbor, the Nepal government has asked the Indian side to hold the much-delayed secretary-level meeting on transborder cooperation as soon as possible. India has delayed the talks for three years.

“India has lagged behind in the regional effort to strengthen transborder cooperation to control poaching,” a Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation official said, adding, “We have strongly urged the Indian side to hold the talks without further delay.”

Asked to comment, spokesperson at the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Shiva Raj Bhatta said, “The Indian delegation at the tiger workshop has reassured us that the talks will be initiated soon in Delhi.”

Secretary-level talks, which are supposed to design bilateral mechanisms for border management, regulation and control against poaching activities, especially illegal trade in tiger parts, have been held twice in Kathmandu in 2001 and 2006 and once in Delhi in 2003.

29-Oct-09 3:00 PM

PROPOSED MOVE OF NORTHERN WHITE RHINOS FROM CAPTIVITY TO AFRICA

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:30:00 GMT

Dear Colleagues, Background Northern white rhinos (NWRs) formerly ranged over parts of north-western Uganda, southern Chad, south-western Sudan, the eastern part of Central African Republic, and north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Devastated by poaching, only about 30 animals remained in DRC’s Garamba National Park by 1995. Garamba suffered from repeated incursions from the janjaweed militia and now the Lord’s Resistance Army. Manageable, containable subsistence poaching in the Park for bushmeat was replaced by full-scale poaching for rhino horn and elephant ivory. In 2005, a planned emergency translocation of five NWR from Garamba National Park to a sanctuary in Kenya became ensnared by political and local and national divisions and subsequently was cancelled. The only signs of possibly four NWRs were seen in August 2005, but the likelihood of any animals remaining now is improbable. In 2008, some of the world’s best rhino trackers were unable to confirm...

1,400 Square Feet of Carpet Meets 2,800 Pounds of Rhino

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Yulee, FL; Birmingham, AL – The International Rhino Foundation has partnered with the Birmingham Zoo and Mohawk Industries in the ultimate test of carpet durability. Birmingham Zoo is set to install Mohawk’s SmartStrand® carpet in the indoor enclosure of Ricko, the Zoo’s eastern black rhino. The installation is part of a real-life demonstration of the campaign’s motto, If SmartStrand® can stand up to this wildlife, it can certainly stand up to your wildlife. We’re excited to partner with the Birmingham Zoo and Mohawk Industries for this unique event, said Dr. Susie Ellis, executive director of the International Rhino Foundation. This is a new and fun way to get our message out to the public while educating them on the serious issues facing rhinos in the wild. Beginning August 14, twelve-year old Ricko will live as usual in his enclosure—eating, sleeping, and doing everything that comes naturally to a 2,800-pound rhinoceros—yes, everything. Two webcams will catch all the...

EXPERTS SAY ZIMBABWE RHINO IN STATE OF CRISIS

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Yulee, FL; Zimbabwe; London – Leading rhino conservation experts, The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) and Save the Rhino, today called the rhino poaching situation in Zimbabwe an immediate crisis with long-term consequences and called for concerted action by the government of Zimbabwe and international agencies that are mandated to tackle poaching of endangered species and to regulate trade in wildlife products. In a conference call held with reporters from across the globe, the IRF and Save the Rhino said continued inaction undermines the country’s economic recovery because rhino poaching is threatening one of the key economic pillars for Zimbabwe -- ecotourism. Zimbabwe’s economic crisis is serious, but now Zimbabwe is in danger of losing its biological currency – rhinos and other wildlife, said Dr. Susie Ellis, Executive Director of the IRF, which funds anti-poaching patrols in five countries. This high-value biological currency could be a key factor in turning...

Media Alert: EXPERTS SAY ZIMBABWE RHINO IN STATE OF CRISIS

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Yulee, FL; Zimbabwe; London – The world’s leading rhino experts are issuing an immediate call to action to save the critically endangered black rhinos. A conference call with leaders on three continents will be held this week to discuss the crisis caused by a doubling of poaching incidents in Zimbabwe. On Thursday, leaders of the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) and Save the Rhino will hold a conference call with reporters to discuss the long-term consequences of continued inaction and to call on leaders to take action now. Ecotourism has long been one of the key economic pillars for Zimbabwe and poaching is threatening Zimbabwe’s biological currency – rhinos and other wildlife. Participating in the call will be Dr. Susie Ellis, Executive Director of the International Rhino Foundation, which funds anti-poaching patrols in five countries, Cathy Dean, Executive Director of Save the Rhino, the London-based organization which supports on-going rhino conservation through...

RHINOS IN FOCUS 2009

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 02:00:00 GMT

Yulee, Florida -- Rhinos have walked the Earth for more than 50 million years. Today, all but one of the world’s five rhino species face extinction within the next 10 to 50 years. To help raise awareness about rhinos and their plight, the International Rhino Foundation invites photography enthusiasts of all skill levels to enter RHINOS IN FOCUS, the 2009 IRF Photography Contest. Winners will be chosen from three categories and will receive prizes as well as recognition on the IRF website and in other publications. The GRAND PRIZE winning photo will be featured in IRF’s 2008 Annual Report. Participants are invited to enter a digital photo in one of three categories on Flickr (www.Flickr.com) between February 1, 2009 and February 28, 2009. 1. Rhinos in Zoos 2. Rhinos in the Wild 3. Express Your Inner Rhino (be creative!) IRF’s panel of judges will select 10 finalists from each category by March 14, 2009, and then the public gets to choose the winners! Vote...

Rise and Shine with the Rhinos

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Yulee, Fla -- Looking for the perfect holiday gift for those special someones who have everything and still want to save the world? How about a four-day safari with five of your favorite folks to experience some of the world’s most endangered species up close? And, you don’t even need to dust off your passport! The International Rhino Foundation, which made international ‘bizarre holiday gift’ news last year by auctioning rhino poop on eBay, has toned it down this year, but beefed up the offerings: This year they’re offering a rare animal encounter for conservationists and animal lovers. In a special pre-holiday auction, the International Rhino Foundation will award the top bidder a one-of-a-kind Rhino Rendezvous for six people. The winning bidder will have a rare opportunity to spend four days at IRF’s headquarters at White Oak Conservation Center, just north of Jacksonville, Fla. Rhino Rendezvous includes ground transportation, meals, exceptional accommodations,...

Poachers Walk Free as Assault on Zimbabwe Rhinos Escalates

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Harare, Zimbabwe – A breakdown in law enforcement against rhino poaching and horn smuggling in Zimbabwe is threatening the success of more than a decade's work bringing rhino populations back up to healthy levels. Typical of the problem is the recent release of a gang of four Zimbabwean rhino poachers who admitted to killing 18 rhinos in five different areas of central Zimbabwe, including a semi-tame group of black rhinos slaughtered in their pens at Imire Safari Ranch. The poachers, also alleged to have been involved in a number of armed robberies and arrested with several illegal firearms, were initially denied bail and it was reported that the four had received lengthy jail sentences. However, WWF was recently informed by authorities that the poachers were subsequently granted bail, were freed and immediately absconded. Rhino poaching has been increasing throughout Zimbabwe including in the Lowveld Conservancies in southern Zimbabwe, home to three quarters of the country's...

CBS joins with International Rhino Foundation

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Cardboard Safari has joined with the International Rhino Foundation, an organization that is dedicated to the survival of the world’s rhino species through conservation and research, to spread awareness about the plight of the rhino. Rhinos have existed on Earth for more than 50 million years. In the past, rhinos were much more diverse and widespread (occurring in North America and Europe as well as in Africa and Asia). Today, only five species of rhinos survive. All rhinos are under threat of extinction, and all but one species is on the verge of extinction. Without drastic action, some rhinos could be extinct in the wild within the next 10-20 years. Cardboard Safari offers premium-quality animal figures made of recycled cardboard. Rhino, Deer, Moose and Bison heads are currently available in both brown and white cardboard. Each animal puzzle is laser-cut for precision fit, easily assembles using slotted construction and is made to mount on the wall. When owner Chris Jesse...

World's rarest rhinos make first video trap appearance - then toss camera

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 21:00:00 GMT

JAKARTA--After just a month in operation, specially designed video cameras installed to capture rhino footage in the jungles of Indonesia have twice recorded remarkable images of the world's rarest rhino accompanied by a calf. But the success was not without incident as after a short inspection, one rhino mother charged the camera and sent it flying on one of the occasions in Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia. Javan rhinos occur only in that park and one in Vietnam. With fewer than 60 Javan rhinos left in the wild, we believe this footage was well worth the risk to our equipment, said Adhi Rachmat Hariyadi, who leads WWF-Indonesia's project in Ujung Kulon National Park. It’s very unusual to catch a glimpse of the Javan rhinos deep inside the rain forest. The motion triggered infrared video traps are a useful way to observe them and the ways they use their habitat in a more detailed way. We are proposing a test translocation of a few Javan rhinos in the near future...

First-ever rhino translocation in northeast India a success

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Washington: In one of the biggest conservation successes in India, two male adult Indian rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis) were successfully translocated to Manas National Park on Saturday. This is the first time that the translocation of wild rhinos has been conducted in the state of Assam, where nearly all of India’s rhinos are found. The two rhinos were moved from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, which has the highest density of rhinos in the world - more than 80 rhinos in less than 7 square miles of rhino habitat. For the next several years, the healthy rhino populations in Pobitora and Kaziranga National Park will supply individuals to start new populations in other protected areas in Assam under Indian Rhino Vision 2020. Translocations form the backbone of Indian Rhino Vision 2020 – a joint project of the Government of Assam, WWF-India, the International Rhino Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – that aims to attain a population of 3000 wild rhinos spread across...

Adopt a Rhino

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:32:12 GMT

The Sumatran rhinoceros is one of the most endangered mammals on Earth. No more than 200 animals survive in small, isolated forest fragments in Indonesia and Malaysia. You can help to protect the Sumatran rhino from extinction by adopting a rhino at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary! The Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS), a 250-acre complex located within Way Kambas National Park in Sumatra, Indonesia, is currently home to five rhinos that are part of an intensively managed research and breeding program aimed at increasing the Sumatran rhino population in the wild. At the sanctuary, the rhinos reside in large, open areas where they can experience a natural rainforest habitat while still receiving state-of-the-art veterinary care and nutrition. You may choose to adopt any of the five rhinos at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary for as many days as you would like, either in your own name, or as a gift for a relative or friend who supports wildlife conservation! In honor of each adoption,...

Holiday Gift Ideas

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:10:15 GMT

This year, you can give the animal lover in your life a gift that will help to save rhinos! Looking for that perfect holiday gift for the family (or group of friends, or corporate team) that wants to help save rhinos? How about a 4-day, 3-night safari to see (and protect) some of the world’s most endangered species? And, you don’t even need to dust off your passport! For the second year, IRF is pleased to offer this truly unique opportunity, usually reserved for the world’s foremost global and corporate leaders, and select members of the White Oak Conservation Center Foundation. And, it’s all yours … for the winning bid. Just go to www.rhinosirf.cmarket.com by December 15th and place your bid on this remarkable and memorable expedition, valued at $25,000. (The bidding starts at $2,500.) The winner will be announced on December 16th. This unique package, Rhino Rendezvous, will give your group a rare...

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:08:58 GMT

Looking for that perfect holiday gift for the family (or group of friends, or corporate team) that wants to help save rhinos? How about a 4-day, 3-night safari to see (and protect) some of the world’s most endangered species? And, you don’t even need to dust off your passport! For the second year, IRF is pleased to offer this truly unique opportunity, usually reserved for the world’s foremost scientists, global and corporate leaders, and select members of the White Oak Conservation Center Foundation. And, it’s all yours… for the winning bid. Just go to www.rhinosirf.cmarket.com by December 15th and place your bid on this remarkable and memorable expedition, valued at $25,000. (The bidding starts at $2,500.) The winner will be announced on December 16th. This unique package, Rhino Rendezvous, will give your group a rare opportunity to spend 4 days and 3 nights at IRF’s headquarters at the White Oak Conservation Center, just north of Jacksonville, Florida. This unique and...

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:07:17 GMT

Suggested Daily Itinerary

The Rhino Rendezvous experience will be custom-tailored to your request.

Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your leisure or opt for a freshly prepared morning meal.

Morning Game Drives
Join members of our Conservation Center staff as we venture throughout the Conservation Center during feeding times for rhinos, cheetahs, antelope, and birds. You’ll have the opportunity for close-up photos, without a zoom lens!

Conservation Center Activities:

Rhino tour and feeding experience
Bird and Antelope Viewing
Giraffe Feeding Experience
Avian Tour and Feeding Experience
Veterinary Tour
Kayaking with Conservation Center naturalist
Nature Walk
Informational briefings with International Rhino Foundation Staff.

Lunch
Enjoy a private lunch with your group at one of White Oak’s spectacular dining venues.

White Oak Plantation Activities:

Canoeing or kayaking
Sporting Clays
Biking
Horseback-riding
Golf
Game Room

Sundowner River Cruise
Guests can enjoy cocktails as they cruise the St. Mary’s River.

Gourmet Dinner
Enjoy your evening and a spectacular, private meal at one of White Oak’s exceptional dining venues.

After-Dinner
Enjoy activities in the Game Room.

Back to main Rhino Redezvous page.

Projects in the Field

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:10:30 GMT

Conservation Medicine

The Rhino Conservation Medicine Program, a unique collaboration between the International Rhino Foundation, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, and the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, provides high-level veterinary medical support for global rhino conservation efforts both in the wild and in captivity. More...

Birth Announcements

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:42:58 GMT

October 2009

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda announce the birth of their second calf in 2009.

Bella, a 10 year old cow from Solio, (who had a stillborn calf in March 2008)
gave birth to a healthy calf on October 7 2009.

Obama, born on June 24, 2009, was the first rhino calf born in Uganda in
more than 28 years (Photo taken at 2 weeks old)

Raoul du Toit, IRF's African Rhino Program Advisor and Director of the Lowveld Rhino Trust in Zimbabwe Honored

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:10:27 GMT

Raoul du Toit and the Husky aircraft used in
rhino monitoring in Zimbabwe’s Lowveld.

We are pleased to announce that Raoul du Toit, IRF’s African Rhino Program Advisor and Director of the Lowveld Rhino Trust in Zimbabwe, was awarded the prestigiousSir Peter Scott Award for Conservation Merit from the IUCN Species Survival Commission. The Sir Peter Scott Award, the SSC’s highest honor, is presented to individuals in recognition of significant and long term service to conservation through their work with the SSC or associated institutions.

Congratulations, Raoul!

Raoul du Toit and Dr. Holly Dublin from the IUCN Species Survival Commission after the awards ceremony.

Thank you for completing our survey!

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:15:37 GMT

Thank you for your participation and we look forward to your responses.

African Rhino Specialist Group, IUCN Species Survivial Commission

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:37:31 GMT

The African Rhino Specialist Group (AfRSG), like its counterpart in the Asian Rhino Specialist Group (AsRSG) is among the 100+ Specialist Groups in the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of IUCN - The World Conservation Union. Its mission is to promote the development and long term maintenance of viable populations of the various sub-species of African rhinos in the wild. Its membership consists of official country representatives from the main range states and a number of specialist members covering a wide range of skills. The AfRSG routinely develops and promotes recommended best practices for a range of rhino conservation activities and has produced an Action Plan for the conservation of rhino species. The Group has also developed a system for priority rating both populations and potential projects for their continental importance to assist donors spend their money effectively. AfRSG members have for many years been actively involved in a number of regional rhino conservation...

Just for Kids

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:20:33 GMT

Rhino Origami: Download this easy guide sheet so you can make your very own origami rhino! Rhino Cards Zimbabwe: The Rhino Cards are an education pack for children and teacher that were developed for use in Zimbabwe by the SADC Regional Program for Rhino Conservation. Rhino Cards Zimbabwe (Teachers Guide): The Teacher's pages contain additional information on rhino conservation issues and a section containing guildelines for the use of the Rhino Cards and suggested class exercises. Make Your Own Savannah: Color your own savannah and then place your animals in their habitat. Designed by Givskud Zoo. Get Involved! You can help rhinos! Visit our fundraising idea page to get ideas on how you can raise awareness about rhino conservation! Write a poem! Read this beautiful poem written by Eva Malone, age 9. Rhino Silhouettes: Silhouettes of three rhino species so the sizes can be compared. Also includes...

E-Newsletter Online Survey

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

Release Date: 14-Oct-09 9:00 PM
Expiration Date: 30-Oct-10 9:00 AM
Please take a few moments to give us your feedback on our e-newsletter. The International Rhino Foundation wants to know how we can best keep you updated on our news. The survey will take approximately five to ten minutes to complete.

Lorem ipsum survey

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:51:57 GMT

Objectives:

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Ut wisis enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci

Release Date: 31-Aug-07 9:51 AM
Expiration Date: 30-Nov-07 9:51 AM

Ut wisis enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci

Carla's Crate

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:31:21 GMT

Carla’s crate is carefully loaded onto a truck for transport.

Diniwe's New Calf

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:31:21 GMT

It’s not always bad news. When rhino monitors had not seen Diniwe for some time, they feared she had been poached, and conducted an exhaustive search. They finally found her laying low with a new calf!

Umlali - poached

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:31:21 GMT

Umlali had previously been caught twice in poachers’ snares, but both times, staff from the Lowveld Rhino Trust were able to operate and save her life. This time though, the poachers shot and killed Umlali.

Translocation

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:31:21 GMT

The Lowveld Rhino Trust translocates rhinos living in areas with high poaching-risk to safer areas.

The Gang

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:31:21 GMT

Blondie, Millie and Sassy, three young black rhino orphans, exploring their boma. When the three are old enough, they will be released back into the wild.

Rhino Horns

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:31:21 GMT

Responding to a report of shots fired, rhino rangers tracked a group of poachers who had fatally shot a bull and calf, wounded the calf’s mother, and most likely killed another female as well. The poachers were after the rhinos’ horns, which can fetch thousands of dollars per kilogram on the black market. This time, the rangers reached the dead rhinos first and confiscated the horns, but unfortunately they were too late to save the rhinos.

Horn removal

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:31:21 GMT

The Lowveld Rhino Trust is increasingly removing rhinos’ horns to reduce the incentive for poachers to target them. This rhino is also having it’s ears notched so that rangers can identify and monitor it.

Express delivery

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:31:21 GMT

An express delivery – rhino calves are sometimes translocated by helicopter, rather than truck, to reduce the amount of time they have to be immobilized.

Carla soon after poaching

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:31:21 GMT

This young rhino, called “Carla”, was shot and cut with an axe by poachers. Her mother was murdered, and she was too young to survive on her own. Luckily she was rescued, treated, and nursed back to health by the Style family.

Carla prior to transport

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:31:21 GMT

Once she was old enough, Carla was immobilized and translocated to one Zimbabwe’s lowveld conservancies, where she could live in a large, enclosed boma within the conservancy.

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2007-08-31T14:51:57Z

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