White Rhino joins parade at King Shaka airport

The unveiling of the fifteenth rhino sculpture in the Wildlands’ Rhino Parade Campaign took place at the King Shaka International Airport on Monday.

The Rhino Parade is a creative fundraising campaign which took its inspiration from the famous international ‘Cow Parade’ concept.

The campaign raises awareness and funding towards the war against rhino poaching in South Africa.

Truly inspirational people and primary role players within South Africa join with Wildlands to help adopt and design a ¾ life size rhino sculpture.

The new rhino to join the parade was that of adventurer, inspirational mountaineer and expedition guide Sibusiso Vilane.

Vilane became the first black African to successfully summit the most fearsome mountain, Mount Everest from two different routes.

He is also the first black African and one of a handful of South African’s who have climbed each of the seven summits which are the highest peaks on each of the seven continents.

CEO of Wildlands Conservation Trust Dr. Andrew Venter discussed how the noise and outrage surrounding rhino poaching has now died down and people have become sensitized.

“People have become used to hearing about rhino slaughter and they have lost their sense of disbelief and fight to stop the war,” said Venter.

Vilane has now made a commitment to help making more noise and to be a rhino ambassador to stop poaching.

“Just like climbing – it takes a dedicated team, commitment and a shared dream or goal. We all need to have the same purpose and work as a collective. Everyone has a role to play – you need to be your own ambassador. It does not matter about your status, you can still make noise ,” said Vilane.

Vilane’s white rhino is standing proudly near international arrivals with a quote by Zig Ziglar that he lives by painted on the rhino’s stomach saying ” You can have everything in life you want if you can help as many people as possible to get what they want.”

Designer of Vilane’s rhino Elizabeth-Ann Ross explained her design saying “His open arms and broad smile tell you that he is a giver and wants the best for all who surround him. He has come from a very humble background and made a name for himself; not because he wanted to be rich and famous, but so that he could change the lives of others for the better.”