Just a few days ago it was Save the Rhino Day! But why not make May Save the Rhino Month or better yet, lets make 2017 Save the Rhino Year!<\/p>\n
Who is with me??<\/p>\n
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As you are aware a while back the Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage was attacked, the staff were assaulted and 2 of the rhino orphans killed. It shook everyone and has taken immense strength for the staff to bounce back. Unfortunately due to ongoing safety concern they have announced that they will be shutting the orphanage for good. Extremely tragic that is has come to this. We thank you Thula Thula for your amazing work.<\/p>\n
Here is a statement from Thula Thula Rhino Orphange:<\/p>\n
“As our followers are aware, FTTRO experienced a brutal poaching attack in February that resulted in an assault on staff and the tragic loss of two rhino calves that were both shot and their horns removed. Since the attack, the Lawrence Anthony Earth Organisation, who administers the facility, has focused on the immediate safety of the staff, volunteers and remaining animals on site as well as providing support for the police and security experts investigating the incident.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n In a recent statement explaining the way forward, LAEO Directors detailed an interim plan to move the animals and staff off-site to give their team a chance to recover from the trauma and allow management time to conduct independent security assessments and review the findings of the criminal investigation. “It is LAEO’s responsibility to ensure that we meticulously weigh up all the factors of the investigation and security reports. Our focus is ensuring that the facility is safe for both people and animals, managed according to best practice animal rehabilitation protocols, and is sustainable.” commented Yvette Taylor from LAEO.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Ongoing security challenges experienced since the attack and the review of the independent security assessments have resulted in the LAEO Board of Directors making the heart wrenching decision to permanently close the Fundimvelo Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage. The security assessments highlighted critical issues that LAEO management felt could not be mitigated and these factors would have directly compromised the ongoing safety of everyone on-site. Additional costs to provide extra 24\/7 guards to adequately secure the facility in the long-term proved prohibitive and impacted on the sustainability of the facility. The decision was taken as a direct result of advice from security experts, anti-poaching professionals and senior police officers.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n FTTRO has made arrangements for the remainder of their donated funds to be channeled to the facilities who have taken over the care of the rhino calves. “Our supporters made donations in good faith to support the care of rhino orphans and we will ensure that their donations are still used for that purpose.” said Yvette Taylor. “The animals have now all been moved together with their handlers to ensure continuity of care, and all the rhino calves, as well as Charlie, the hippo, are doing well and have settled in their new surroundings. The Lawrence Anthony Earth Organisation wishes to thank the public for their overwhelming support during this challenging time.”<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n This is something else I came across this week that really put it all into perspective:<\/p>\n How can we let this happen under our watch?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Article by The Star:<\/p>\n Customs bust attempt to smuggle in African rhino horns in Malaysia.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n SEPANG: The Customs Department intercepted an attempt to smuggle in some RM13.6mil worth of African rhinoceros horns – making it the first and biggest haul of the item in Malaysia.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n He said 18 horns, weighing about 51.44kg, were seized after checks were carried out on a package that was flown in from Mozambique via Qatar Airways to the KL International Airport.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\nThe Harsh Reality!<\/h2>\n
BUSTED!!<\/h2>\n