This fantastic Rhino conservation initiative is organized by Wildcon Safaris and Events and aims to DNA profile all of South Africa’s rhino’s and register them on the national rhino DNA database, all this whilst raising awareness of the plight of the rhino’s. The information collected on the database can subsequently be used to assist in forensic prosecution of the rhino poachers.
A huge thank you to the very professional Wildcon team and to all our patrons who donated R2 with every special sold during the months of January 2013- May 2013. The funds collected from this, made this all possible. We at Piatto were totally humbled by these amazing animals and just hope that our small contribution will make a difference in this huge fight against rhino poaching.
The Piatto team headed out for Limpopo province early on Tuesday 1 October 2013. We arrived at the lodge and were welcomed by the Wildcon Safaris & Events and the lodge staff. We then headed out in 2 vehicles on a bush drive and enjoyed sundowners in the bush, followed by a great braai in the boma at the lodge. The next morning we had a very early start. We met the local vet, the warden of the reserve and the helicopter pilot and where all briefed on the procedure for darting the rhinos. After the helicopter pilot showed off his amazing flying skills in search of a rhino, the first one was spotted. Moments later the vet darted the animal from the air and the rest of the group followed in vehicles where the helicopter was hovering. As we approached we saw a big Rhino bull, unsteady on its feet due to the tranquilizer. The moment it went to ground the animal’s eyes were closed with a blanket and socks put in its ears and then the quick and efficient work began by everyone involved. After only 10 minutes the blood tests, the microchip insertion and the ear notching were done. A great effort by all involved. The rhino was then given another injection which saw him stagger to his feet and move off slowly. Seven strenuous hours were spent in the heat and dust, but we were all ecstatic to have safely darted and captured the DNA of four rhinos