In March 2012, three white rhinos were brutally poached on Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. One died that night and on 25 March the second bull passed away. Miraculously one of the rhinos survived, showing inspirational bravery and the will to live. As fate would have it, almost exactly one year later, Kariega welcomes a new rhino calf to their game reserve.
Three rhino poached at Kariega Game Reserve
When three rhino were attacked on Kariega last year there was a public outcry from both national and international onlookers. While one of the rhino bulls passed away on the night of the poaching, another bull, Themba (meaning hope) and a female, Thandi (meaning love) survived and were enduring incredible pain and suffering. For many, witnessing the agony of Thandi and Themba on the news and internet brought home the senselessness and violence of rhino poaching.
Dr Fowlds with the dying Themba at Kariega
A rush of support groups and fundraising initiatives emerged in order to help provide Thandi and Themba with funds for the best possible care and chance for survival. Wildlife veterinarian Dr William Fowlds and the Kariega staff did everything they could, working tirelessly to save the lives of Thandi and Themba. For over three weeks both rhino showed an incredible will to survive. Tragically, on 25 March 2012 after 23 days of brave fighting Themba passed away.
This short video was made to commemorate Themba’s life and released at the tribute held by the Kariega team, Dr Fowlds and other rhino conservation supporters on 25 March 2013.
This comment made by Dr Fowlds on the day of Themba’s death last year is even more relevant today, “The past day’s events have taken me to the lowest point of my battle to help save a species. I know many others feel the same. What we do now is the true test of our resolve to overcome the evil that threatens to overwhelm the worlds remaining rhino. Our ability to act, to actually do something to make a difference, will be the measure of who we are.”
The birth of a rhino calf, one year after poaching incident
The serendipitous birth of a healthy white rhino calf almost exactly one year after the poaching incident has been cause for celebration at Kariega, as they remember and commemorate the lives and struggles of Thandi, Themba and the unnamed rhino bull.
Kariega rhino with baby March
Graeme Rushmere, co-owner of Kariega Game Reserve commented, “The fight of Thandi and Themba is just one story representing the brutality being carried out against the rhino species. At Kariega, it is our hope that their struggle is not in vein and inspires all wildlife lovers to take up the cause so that our little ones can live to see a ripe old age. Although it may seem a small triumph in the grand scheme of rhino conservation, the birth of a new calf helps remind us that there is always hope.”
The realities of rhino poaching
Over the last few years rhino poaching has increased dramatically, causing a serious threat to the rhino species. In 2007 there were 13 rhino lost to poaching in South Africa, however in 2012 the figure soared to a shocking 668.
Thandi has made a full recovery after the horrific attack last year
The onslaught against Southern African rhinos is a devastating blow to rhino conservation – at the beginning of the 20th century there were an estimated 50 white rhino which repopulated to around 17, 000 by 2008. This success in conservation is now threatened by a growing demand in rhino horn, feeding the traditional Asian medicine market. If poaching continues to increase at its current rate, the rhino population could be wiped out in a few decades.
By Claire Allison and Lisa-Marie Mills
Kariega Game Reserve is a part of the Open Africa Safari Collection. This initiative provides sustainable revenue for Open Africa projects.
Related: Kariega rhino dies 24 days after poaching
