Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, established in 1895, is the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa. It is famously known for saving the Southern White Rhino from extinction - a goal it achieved with distinction. However, the rhino population is once again under massive pressure due to poaching. Rangers work tirelessly day and night to protect these magnificent creatures against this scourge.
The Isibindi Foundation alongside Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is launching a campaign to assist in the preservation of rhino within Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park (HIP) by supporting the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife HIP K9 Unit. K9 Units require substantial funding as the training of dogs and handlers is expensive. The approximate cost of a trained dog is in the region of R90 000.00, and handler training is R39 000.00. The total combined cost for dog and handler is R129 000.00. The areas where the funds raised will be used include the following:
A. Firstly, the expansion of the unit (our goal is to add 3 more dogs and handlers to the unit)
B. Secondly, to ensure the longevity of the unit by ensuring its long-term sustainability and maintenance.
The Isibindi Foundation will be working together with Wildlife ACT and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife in this exciting project.
