Laura Bolton, who heads up One Land Love it, says that she is proud to be part of an organisation that is doing everything to save the rhino from poachers. “While our land is full of beauty, diversity, and hope, simultaneously a grim picture is painted,” she said. “It is one of a battlefield and unrelenting war, a slaughter house for the near threatened white rhino and critically endangered black rhino, with rhino populations decimated over the last decade due to greed and false prophecies about the “benefits” of their horn,” she said.

“Our goal is to do everything possible to protect the rhino and ensure the survival and success of the species for future generations by running various targeted initiatives.”

She said One Land Love operates on multiple fronts including direct rhino support which includes: collaring procedures including the purchase of foot collars, dehorning, notching, veterinary fees and helicopter fees where necessary, sampling, analysis, and recording of rhino DNA on national database assistance with the relocation of rhino for genetic diversity, management, and sustainability, rhino orphanage support such as equipment, provision of supplements and milk powders for orphaned calves.

Also read: Suspected rhino poacher in Gravelotte behind bars

The organisation also gives support to anti-poaching units, wildlife crime prevention units, rangers, school and community education, and awareness outreaches and programmes (including supplying some children with school shoes). “We have recently been working on creating insightful awareness videos which give people a glimpse into the life of people in various conservation roles.

“Currently we have a social media campaign running for Women’s Month ‘Celebrating Women in Conservation’ where we post videos publicly recognising and paying tribute to the amazing work being done behind the scenes for conservation in Africa by various women.”

The videos can be viewed on their social media pages – One Land Love It. One of the videos is on a wildlife helicopter pilot, Jana Meyer.

“She is doing the most incredible work for conservation, from chasing down poachers, night flying patrols, rhino work (dehorning/collaring), training K9 units from the helicopter and rescue missions for other endangered species,” said Laura. “On World Ranger Day, On Land Love It, gave 100 rangers a small token of appreciation to say thank you for all that they do to protect our natural heritage,” she concluded.