Project Rhino K9 Unit: Defending African Wildlife

Dear Friends and Supporters

It has been another bustling few months for Project Rhino and the K9-Unit, tirelessly combating wildlife crime alongside local police, the HAWKS, reserve Anti-Poaching Teams, and local security companies in Zululand. Our team remains on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Here are some highlights from the period:

Environmental Education
Less than 2% of children in South Africa have ever visited a game reserve or National Park, despite many communities living in close proximity to these incredible places. Thanks to Dogs 4 Wildlife and Connected Planet, in collaboration with the IFPCP and K9-Unit, we've implemented an exciting Siyafunda Ngemvelo "We Learn In Nature" program. This initiative provides pupils from Glen Park Primary School with the opportunity to visit a game reserve and experience wildlife for the first time. Following their trip, the conservation club offers further learning and support, with an experienced and passionate community member providing lessons to the student groups on conservation and the environment. (Attached are photos from an environmental day where Project Rhino joined Felixton College, where the pupils thoroughly enjoyed learning about conservation and the work of the K9-Unit).

Rhino Poaching News
Our Province of KwaZulu-Natal was the hardest hit by rhino poaching last year, losing 325 rhinos. Of the total, a devastating 307 rhinos were killed in our flagship Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, and a further 109 rhinos have been killed since the beginning of this year. In response, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has made the difficult decision to dehorn all of their rhinos with immediate effect. It's worth noting that a rhino's horn is made of keratin (similar to human hair and fingernails), and there are no nerves in the horn, so the procedure does not hurt. The rhino's horn will regrow over time, typically within a couple of years.

Fundraising and Events
Fundraising to sustain our projects and programs is an ongoing endeavour, and we are constantly exploring unique and exciting ways to fund our initiatives.

• In February, we hosted a highly successful Masked Ball for Conservation in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal. The event featured music, professional ballroom dancers, a gala dinner, and a live auction, providing enjoyment for all attendees.
• On May 18, we are organizing a Music in the Gardens concert in Greytown, featuring local artists such as Steve Umculo, Parable Fifteen, Matt Gardiner, and The Berg Lily (Monique Jonker).
• Following that, on the weekend of 24 – 26 May, adventure-seekers and conservationists will unite at Skydive for Rhinos at the Horings & Dorings Festival in Hluhluwe. Participants will be tandem skydiving, so no prior experience is needed.
• In June, brave swimmers will return for the Oceans 8 Challenge, swimming eight miles over two days to support charities. Additionally, we've partnered with IMPI Hard Enduro, where riders will take on nature's obstacles in the northern Drakensberg, rallying in support of rhino conservation.

For more information on these and other upcoming events, please visit our website or social media pages.

Once again, a heartfelt thank you for your incredible support in helping to keep the Project Rhino K9-Unit operational and effective. We couldn't do it without you!

Warm regards,
The Project Rhino Team