Upon nearing the birth of my first child towards the end of this month, one can’t help but reflect on a multitude of life’s aspects, as I am sure all of those parents reading this would strongly attest to. From how we intend on raising the little one, to what environment we desire to place ourselves in, what we expose them to, and essentially what world they grow up in.
We’ve put together a rhino drawing for all generations to colour-in as a celebration and awareness of rhinos… download this here. Once you’ve completed it – share on your social media and tag us – we’d love to see your colourful rhino.
Almost ingrained in everyone that finds themselves either working at Londolozi or visiting us, is a much deeper connection to nature or the essence to find ourselves closer to it. Barry wrote a blog not so long ago on a topic known as Biophilia where, in a nutshell, he dives into the ‘whys’ of our desire to view and observe nature and beautiful things. Although we, as a human race, find insurmountable joy in observing beautiful places, incredible views or vistas, animals, people, cars, or tactile objects (each to their own), some still seem to feel that the world owes us something.
When, as we step back to view the bigger picture, we are in fact a tiny little cog in the engine that runs the world. No matter how small, however, the influence of our cog is enormous. We are no longer merely living on the planet but rather altering the way it functions. WE NEED THE PLANET MORE THAN IT NEEDS US!
As this change accentuates there are a number of umbrella species that are unable to adapt quickly enough to keep up. In addition, through direct human influence, animal populations have been reduced.
One species in particular, which I personally hold close to my heart is the rhino, which, today, is celebrated on World Rhino Day. Rhinos are the umbrella species that create awareness for all the others in the ecosystem, and they are in crisis. But rather than shying away from the facts and the truth, let’s embrace it, raising awareness, and, in doing so, begin to resolve the issue.
At the root of the rhino crisis is the myth that rhino horn contains curative properties. World Rhino Day highlights efforts to debunk the myths and diminish the demand for rhino horn.
Yes, World Rhino Day does have an impact. Through this awareness safe havens are funded, where endangered species, such as the rhino, are protected around the clock. Protection comes in the form of immediate short-term action, such as in the incorporation of advanced technology as early warning systems of any potential “foul-play”. From electrified fences, incursion detection sensors, thermal imaging, camera networks, all aiding the teams on the ground to stay one step ahead of the would-be poachers.
It is an ongoing fight to prevent the plight of the rhino, and short-term actions only do so much. More attention needs to be directed towards the longer-term plan.
Education and elimination of the demand
Education comes in two main areas: locally raising awareness amongst local communities to show just how severe the problem is and incorporating them into our protection efforts, and efforts to decipher the myths of why rhino horn has, incorrectly, become so valuable and to bring about a change of mindset amongst the followers of these theories on an international scale.
Through safe havens such as Londolozi and cooperation with a number of reserves within the private sector, rhino numbers are on the rise again. This furthers the cry for support as it is a 365-days-a-year effort where efforts are concentrated and more effective. Being aware of the crisis is the first step. Each doing our own part will ensure that not only rhinos but many other species will be around for our grandchildren and their children to see. Through one night at Londolozi, you become part of the conservation effort. The education of eight children and one adult, the welfare of five employees and their dependents, the Tracker Academy and Goodwork Foundation excel, and most importantly the creation of safe havens for rhino and other species. Your Safari means, The Power to Make Change!
Thankfully though, through repeated drives and campaigns, the required awareness of the threats to their survival is ever-spreading, and the hard fight to save the species is gathering momentum. Hopefully, this magical and prehistoric animal may be around for my children to grow up with. Happy World Rhino Day!
Hi Sean, thank you for the beautiful video and drawings I’m sharing. I hope Asiatic people will be educated as well on the fact that rhino horns, tiger and lion bones and testicles and elephant tusks do not contain any magic power. I heard that 70 leopards are destinatated to trophy hunting in Botswana and more in South Africa; i hope you leopards will stay safe in Londolozi…
You are welcome, Francesca. I am sure the animals at Londolozi are a lot safer than many other places. Lets just hope that through awareness we can see many others far beyond the limitations of the private reserves.
Thoughtful & insightful entry, Sean. We had the opportunity to interact with members of the boots on the ground security team about their vigilance–very impressive.
Thanks, Vin.
Hi Sean
Thanks for the text and the photos. I often think that my grandchildren may not be able any more to watch these beautiful animals in the bush when they are grown up. Which is so sad.
So it is wonderful that there are still a few save havens for these animals like Londolozi and other places.
Let’s hope that they remain what they are.
Thank you, Christa. Lets remain positive and work as hard as we can to ensure that there are the safe havens for these amazing animals so that they will still be around for all of our grandchildren and their grandchildren.
Thank you, Christa. Let’s us remain positive and work as hard as we can to ensure that there are the safe havens for these amazing animals so that they will still be around for all of our grandchildren and their grandchildren.
And, by the way, this video clip of the leopard on a bolder and the rhino next to it, is just amazing.
Thank you.
Hi Sean, firstly congratulations is in order to you Sean and your spouse for the coming birth of your first child. May the experience of becoming a new daddy and mommy be a wonderful, joyful and loving experience for you and your wife. Rhino day is special and should be a highlight in everyone’s day. That huge magnificent animal needs all the protection it can get from all the reserves that keep rhinos. To preserve them for our children to see them and also the tourists that come from all over the world to see them. It is a mammoth task and very necessary to go all out, to protect and preserve these wonderful animals.
What an amazing view-leopard with rhino, thank you for that special story.
Congratulations Sean on your first child! Rhinos are such an icon of Africa, it would be a shame if future generations don’t have them to marvel and be inspired by!
First of all Sean, congratulations on your first child due in a week or so. Exciting times ahead for sure!
Thank you, and the Londolozi family for all you do to protect the animals within your reserve and to support all other properties’ efforts to do the same. It’s great to hear that major tech companies have invested in the electronic aspects of assisting the ground troops in stopping poachers from entering the property, yet it needs to go further by pushing the education aspect – horns have NO medicinal properties, nor bones or any other part of animals, especially endangered/vulnerable species. The trade routes have to stop, fines, prison terms need to be tightened…. It’s somewhat overwhelming but I believe each of us matter in how we address the issues, whether it be with $$ donations or lobbying. The videos were insightful and factual-thank you.
PS. Love the drawing and will pass along to friends with children.
Congrats Sean! I bet you can’t wait to meet your new bundle due very soon! A lovely article too.
Sean, This is a really powerful post! Both videos are really well done and we have shared them. Plus our grandkids will be busy coloring the Rhino graphic! Thanks for the reminder of how hard Londolozi and others are working to protect these amazing animals! Well done once again!
Congrats on the imminent birth of your first child! Yes, as parents and grandparents, it really saddens me to think that these animals and many others may very well not survive human pressure and greed for our younger generations to see in the wild. I love being in the bush and soaking up everything that it means and brings…..
Congrats on the new baby! Enjoyed the video and the ideas for using technology to minimize poaching. Good luck!
It’s so encouraging to see tech companies joining forces to help combat rhino poaching. There are times when I dislike modern tech but for this purpose and the use of the internet to help educate and spread the word it is certainly worth it. Thank you too, to everyone at Londolozi who take the time to record sightings, educate and care for the future of our children’s children.
Sean, wishing you and your spouse a lifetime of love and laughter with your little bundle.🙏💖.who I would imagine may have arrived by now as I’m a bit behind on the blog !
Sean this is a really nice blog and I have to say I got a bit teary eyed at the plight of the rhino. I applaud Londolozi for doing all they do to protect these magnificent animals. It is heartwarming to know that their numbers are increasing. If only we could do away with the poachers and those that believe rhino horn , elephant tusks, lion parts all have medicinal values. It is good that you are teaching kids the value of saving the wildlife – they are the ones who will hopefully carry the torch (so to speak) when we are no longer here. Thank you for sharing with us.