Ranger walks 1000 km to save rhinos
MIDRAND - On 1 May, head ranger at Tintswalo Game Lodge, Fritz Breytenbach, began to walk 1000 km to raise awareness about rhino poaching in South Africa as part of the Tintswalo Rhino Extreme Campaign.
Tintswalo comprises a group of safari lodges in South Africa, of which Tintswalo at Waterfall in Kyalami is one.
The campaign has partnered with Game Reserves United (GRU) to help protect the rhino. Studies have shown that work in the field remains the most effective way of fighting rhino poaching and Breytenbach is committed to helping raise funds to support GRU’s initiative, which places rangers in the field to combat poachers.
Breytanbach reached his target on 10 July but decided to continue walking.
During the initiative, Breytenbach visited local communities to talk to them about the plight of the rhinos in South Africa, as well as to educate them on rhino conservation. Breytenbach explained, “Along my journey I’ve learnt that awareness in rural communities, especially among the youth, is lacking. In response to this, I want to continue engaging with the locals to ensure that they fully understand the importance of preserving South Africa’s rhinos and the role that they can play in protecting these incredible creatures.”
Breytenbach’s walk has not only raised awareness about poaching and the state of the dwindling rhino population in rural communities, but has also served as a call to action for the general public. His bold effort to save the rhino has earned him supporters around the world.
Breytenbach added, “The plight of the rhino has been brought to our attention so that we can do something about it and that is why I decided to walk the 1000 km, so that others may be inspired to take action.”
