Your helping hand wanted in the poaching war
Seven bags of milk goes a long way toward keeping these orphans alive. See how easy it is for you to help.
MBOMBELA – In a combined effort, Lowvelders and overseas donors have helped toward the care of 11 rhino calves orphaned through poaching. Donations to Midfeeds Nelspruit has ensured that Care for Wild Africa could purchase seven bags of foal milk powder for these young animals.
According to Petronel Nieuwoudt, this has helped them tremendously. Seven bags of 15kg each constitutes almost two weeks feeds for these growing pachyderms. By polishing off 120L of milk in two days, the centre requires 15 bags per month. In addition, glucose of 2.360 kg is required on a daily basis. This amounts to another R3 800 per month.
This charity urges schools, clubs and organisations to raise funds to cover the feeding costs. Midfeeds gives a discount on the 15kg milk powder. People who wish to support this worthy cause can directly contribute funds to Midfeeds Nelspruit who will manage these if paid via EFT.
Each group that donates a 15kg container of food is asked to inform and post a photo to the Laevelder/Lowvelder Facebook page.
A generous American donor is Elaine Kruer who made use of a safe and cost effective credit card transfer system to donate.
According to Richard Prinsloo of Mbombela, this has been very successful in avoiding the prohibitive expenses incurred using normal cash transfers to SA internationally.
He says, “In the light of existing unscrupulous organisations regarding rhino funding, I would however insist that abovementioned goes through the tried and trusted Africa Wild system.”
This works as follows:
- Guests visit the Africa Wild website, register, private messages him (richprins) regarding their interest. He puts donors into email contact with Midfeeds. Donors send credit card particulars and offer of payment to Midfeeds directly.
- Once the transaction is completed, Midfeeds deletes all emails, and Prinsloo stores payment details, minus card details, offshore.
The number of baby rhino being orphaned due to poaching, is on the increase. Currently 11 rhino orphans are being reared at Care for Wild Africa. “The expense of taking care of these animals is huge,” says Petronel Nieuwoudt, founder of the organisation. “A 140kg baby rhino will drink 14 litres of milk daily, as well as a cup of glucose and other fluids.” Calves are weened at 18 months.
Read more about Tank, Satara, and Tana the orphaned rhino calves here as well as latest arrival Nova, who has nothing but affection for his human caregivers.
Donations towards the rhino food can be made to the following banking details;
Nedbank
• Account holder: Midfeeds Nelspruit
• Account number: 1522 015 361
• Branch: 152205.
Please use reference Care for Wild.
Don’t miss this opportunity to donate toward the care of orphaned rhino at Care for Wild Africa
On June 28 the Rock 4 Rhino concert will feature superstars Dire Straits as part of its line-up. Also on stage will be Arno Carstens, Iso, Matthew Mole, our own Lara Gear and Bedouin Sea.
The concert takes place in Centurion at SuperSport Park. Gates open at 14:00.
Buy your tickets online
All proceeds will go toward Care for Wild Africa.
