South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced a partnership with the Peace Parks Parks Foundation (PPF) as part of the Rhino Protection Programme (RPP), which will see R2.4 million (€183 000) allocated towards assisting with the care of orphaned and injured rhinos as a result of poaching.
According to SANParks, the Kruger National Park has been particularly affected by rhino poaching and in 2014 SANParks rescued 16 rhino orphans, 12 of which went to specialist care and four were placed with surrogate mothers in holding bomas managed by SANParks.
Fundisile Mketeni, CEO of SANParks, said: “We appreciate the support of the Rhino Protection Programme in helping rhinos that have been injured and orphaned as a result of poaching, and supporting our teams of vets and field staff who brave the frontlines of the rhino poaching war every day. These interventions form a critical component of the strategic integrated approach to combating wildlife crime as announced by the Minister of Environmental Affairs last year.”
