LIMPOPO – Rocking for Rhinos, an organisation dedicated to fighting rhino poaching, has closed its doors due to financial constraints.

Established in January 2012 in response to the alarming decline of the rhino population and the ongoing battle against poachers and syndicate leaders, the organisation aimed to raise awareness and funds for conservation efforts.

This news comes shortly after the police announced the closure of their Endangered Species Unit, delivering another significant blow to the fight against the illegal wildlife trade.

Founder Gareth Putter reflected on the organisation’s mission, explaining that their goal was to give the public a real opportunity to contribute by attending Rocking for Rhinos music festivals and annual events. “While our sole focus at that stage was the plight of rhinos in South Africa, it was our vision to one day support an array of wildlife conservation projects throughout the country,” he said.

By the end of 2022, the organisation had donated a total of R966 407.80 to various conservation initiatives. Among the beneficiaries were Protrack Rhino Task Team, which received R256 663.36, Bongi’s Quest with R51 500, Horn Infusions with R15 000, Zululand Rhino Reserve with R20 000, and Rhino Revolution with R120 000.

Putter said that, in addition to auctions and exhibitions, Rocking for Rhinos successfully hosted five music festivals. “We tried our utmost to put on conservation events in recent years. Times change, and people move on, and as such, we have made the decision to close down the organisation. On behalf of the amazing teams we’ve had over the years, individuals, my family, and sponsors, this has been an emotional journey, one that I am very proud to have been a part of.”

Putter plans to continue conservation-focused events through his rebranded Facebook page, Gareth Gone Wild. As a wildlife artist, he intends to organise art auctions and exhibitions, with a flash sale of remaining merchandise also in the works.