Over N$800 000 raised for rhino poaching reward
A fundraising campaign launched on Facebook over the weekend has raised more than N$800 000 towards a N$1 million reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of those responsible for the brutal poaching of the black rhino known as Dorsland, along with her calf and unborn calf.The initiative, spearheaded by the Conservation Travel Foundation and Ultimate Safaris, gained rapid traction following a pledge of N$100 000 from the foundation and a personal contribution of N$50 000 from Tristan Cowley, managing director of Ultimate Safaris. Organisers said they are confident that the remaining funds will be raised in the coming days.
According to the foundation, the overwhelming response - with most donations coming from Namibians - highlights how deeply the killing has affected the nation.
“The intention of this reward is to send a strong message that informants are more valuable than poachers,” the foundation said in a statement. “Poaching in the Kunene Region will be met with a united response, not only from law enforcement but from the people of Namibia, particularly the Kunene communities and conservancies that protect the world’s largest population of free-roaming, critically endangered black rhino.”
Black rhinos are a cornerstone of Namibia’s conservation achievements and play a vital role in tourism, which sustains thousands of livelihoods across the Kunene Region.
Those wishing to contribute to the initiative or seeking further information can contact [email protected].