Rhino Rumble founder raises funds for the endangered animals
The fundraiser event held at Blue Hills'Local Bar and Kitchen raised over R60 000 towards saving endangered rhinos.
Annette Veldsman is pleased with the fundraising event aimed at tackling the scourge of rhino poaching.
Veldsman, founder of Rhino Rumble, held the event in Blue Hills’ Local Bar and Kitchen on September 10.
She shared the story of a rhino that had its ankle chopped off with a machete and its horn butchered. “The rhino was in so much agony, and beyond saving, the poor rhino had to ultimately be shot. The crying sounds it made are still fresh in my head,” said Veldsman.
“In February, we started planning for this fundraising event to help the endangered animals from poachers.”
Their original goal was to raise R50 000 which was surpassed as they collected over R60 250. The aim is to buy RikRhino cameras, which are camouflaged cameras that are strategically placed high in trees.
Veldsman said the cameras work with data just like a cellphone, where as soon as movement is detected, an alert is sent to the holder of this camera’s serial number.
“We will purchase at least five RikRhino cameras, including data and possibly the batteries they require an estimated R40 000 will be used for this. However, this makes a drastic difference because many poachers are tracked from the visuals these cameras give.”
She said the remaining amount of R20 000 will be shared with Friends of Rescued Animals (Fora), Julia Nthabi Hlangoane from Soshanguve, and Nkombe Rhino and the Hounds.
Related Article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/310370/rhino-rumble-holds-successful-fundraiser/
