Above: We’re standing strong for Zimbabwe’s rhinos – will you stand with us?
Photo: Shutterstock / Lance van de Vyver
Dear Tracey ,
Zimbabwe’s rhino’s need your help! In an effort to deter poachers from killing them for their horns, every year the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust de-horns black and white rhino in Zimbabwe. The good news is that our rhino populations are growing. The challenge is this means more new young animals to manage.
This year, our team needs to assist on the ground with ear-notching new calves as well as de-horning animals at sites across the country. But we are still seeking funding for these critical and logistically daunting operations. We are concerned that this might be the first year in eleven years that we aren’t able to help our partners with these critical rhino operations.
Would you consider donating now to help us and our partners to continue this vital work?
Take a minute to see just how much goes into standing strong for rhinos.
We have more news to share in the rhino department. Last year, through meaningful donations, we secured the equipment needed to sequence genetic code for our national rhino population. Greater genetic accuracy will help experts understand which geographic populations of animals are best suited to translocate to new areas. It will also help with enhancing genetic diversity – a huge factor when it comes to building robust and resilient founder populations.
But we can do more. We are now ready to take the next step: refining all the genetic sequences to pinpoint the best ones to use for individual rhinos.
What does that mean for Zimbabwe’s rhinos? Well, being able to genetically identify individual rhino would mean traffickers might think twice once they are linked to a specific animal and crime scene. It could be a very powerful tool against wildlife crime syndicates that traffic rhino horns, and help our wildlife authority in linking members of these criminal gangs.
And the next step in the technology is within our grasp.
Please consider supporting this innovative genetic work that will help save rhinos from being killed for their horns.
And last but certainly not least, we want to express our gratitude to our friends and supporters of VFWT by inviting you to a special webinar on the VFWT’s rhino conservation work. Join wildlife veterinarians Dr. Chris Foggin and Dr. Harley Peacocke as they discuss the country-wide collaborative and community-driven effort to save Zimbabwe’s rhinos. Driven by a shared passion, local conservationists, wildlife agencies, wildlife veterinarians, and concerned citizens have embarked on an impassioned mission to safeguard the future of these iconic creatures. And we’re winning!
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM CAT | 11 AM Eastern | 8 AM Pacific
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
Platform: Zoom Link to Follow
Register here to secure your place at this special webinar.
We hope to see you there!
For Wild Africa,
Jessica Dawson
Executive Director
