A group of children from Cotlands had the wildlife experience of a lifetime recently, when they were invited to take part in a rhinoceros conservation exercise with ConservAfrica (Pty) Ltd at the Mabalingwe Nature Reserve, near Bela-Bela in the Limpopo Province.

“We conduct our unique safaris in order for our clients to experience “hands-on” what conservation is all about on Africa’s flagship species. The necessary conservation costs involved are funded by our clients thus assisting the reserve in question of the financial burden” – explains Chris Pearson from ConservAfrica. This ConservAfrica Wildlife Conservation Safari was fully sponsored by Fujitsu-Siemens Computers and offered the children a unique opportunity to take part in a real, hands-on conservation exercise. The object of this specific safari was to locate and tranquilise a White Rhino in order to insert microchips into its horns to deter poaching and make small ear notches to allow rangers to identify the animal from a distance.

Catchco Africa is managed by Dr. Douw Grobler (Wildlife Veterinarian) and JJ van Altena (Wildlife Specialist).  This company performs management and consultancy functions for wildlife reserves in and around Africa.  It also specializes in the capture and translocation of mainly elephants, rhino, buffalo, lion, cheetah, hippo and also rare and endangered animals.  “It was through these Game Management Safaris, that communication between Cotlands and Catchco Africa started.  Through Catchco’s network and planning, Cotlands and its very precious children got to experience a Game Management Safari involving white rhino says JJ Van Altena.  This was an extremely successful operation that not only benefited conservation of the rhino but gave the Cotlands children and its staff an experience they won’t forget.”

“Next, we were treated to a marvelous surprise dinner at the Kalahari Oasis — seen in the Castrol TV advertisement — in the middle of the bush. The next morning, after coffee and rusks, we were briefed on safety and heard from ConservAfrica’s vet about what was going to happen. Then we were off into the bush in search of the beautiful White Rhino.

“We watched as the rhino was darted and the necessary tasks conducted to ensure the future safety of this magnificent animal. What an experience to stand right next to it and actually touch it. Afterwards, we were all very happy to see the rhino wake up and make its way back into the bush — and satisfying to know that this project will make a real difference.

“A huge thank you to Fujitsu-Siemens Computers for covering all the cost of this event. The Cotlands kids — and their caregivers — will remember this experience for the rest of their lives,” says Lindy. “And who knows, maybe when they grow up, some of them may choose a career in conservation as a result of this encounter.”For more information contact Lindy Nieuwenhuizen on (011) 683-7200 or e-mail her at lindy@cotlands.org

Read more about ConservAfrica by visiting its website at www.capturesafari.co.za
Read more about Catchco Africa by visiting its website at www.catchco.co.za