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In June of 2022 Jeremy Rehwald and his wife, Sarah, travelled to Southern Africa for a Namibian hunting safari. Outfitted by Robin Hurt Safaris and led by professional hunter and guide, Daniel Mousley, they had a wonderful experience. The fair chase hunt, breathtaking landscapes, abundance of animals, and exceptional accommodations found at Gamsberg and Mount Barry Wilderness Private Ranch made it "the trip of a lifetime," and a place that Jeremy and Sarah plan to visit again.
While on safari, Jeremy and Sarah learned all about the conservation project being undertaken by Robin Hurt Safaris, specifically in the management of a white rhino herd. They were impressed to hear about all the efforts employed to keep the rhino population protected from the ever-present threat of poachers. "Being from the states, we had heard about some of the dangers being faced by rhinos, but we had no idea how serious a problem this actually was until we were there ourselves," stated Jeremy.
The startling reality is that poaching is a massive issue. Due exclusively to the high value of their horns, these giant animals are highly sought-after by poachers. Poachers pursue the rhinos with the sole intent to kill so that they can then remove their horns and sell them. As a direct result, the rhino population throughout the continent of Africa is dwindling and has been for some time. These animals are truly in danger of becoming extinct if not effectively protected.
Unfortunately, some months after the Rehwalds had returned from their trip, they heard the news that one of the rhinos they had met on their trip had been killed. As with so many others, poachers had cut short a life simply so that they could remove the coveted horn. This particular rhino was a 7-year-old white rhino bull named Kirby.
Habitat for Rhino - Namibia is seeking assistance to continue their efforts to keep the remainder of their herd protected. Funds raised on January 12th will be used in the direct funding of the following efforts:
- the hire and maintenance of a larger anti-poaching staff/armed patrol
- the addition of a security guard to the main ranch entrance
- the installation of a state-of-the-art surveillance system (both camera and aerial patrol) to ensure that each rhino is accounted for on a daily basis
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