Rhino Thandi & Themba DAY 16 - 17h00

17Mar

Rhino Thandi and Family

rhino, poaching, conservation

Jone Haesslich

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Themba has been moving on the edge of the thicket line where the grass is knee high and lush. He has been eating well and because of his location Jason has been able to observe him for some time in the open. This information as well as images from camera traps he has put out indicate a very slight improvement in his circumstances. On assessing his leg this morning there are still superfiscial signs of skin deterioration so his struggle continues and we still do not have enough evidence yet that he will make it. For today, I am happy that his body is not deteriorating and that he appears to be managing without the need for more pain killers.

Thandi continues to do well and covers a lot of ground. She has moved through the same area that Themba is in and one wonders what sort of communication they have shared.

Yesterday I spoke of the choices we have to make regarding this crisis. Today is the day we need to choose to do something about it. Considering the choices that Dr Ian Player and many others chose to make over 50 years ago now, when Operation Rhino was put into action, we learn that the actions of a few produced amazing results; one of the best success stories in conservation history. It is such a sadness that the same man now has to endure the same war twice. But the rules of engagement are very different this time around. This war needs to be fought on many fronts and this war will not be won through the actions of a few. This war requires the participation of millions with a diversity of skills doing something every single day until the slaughter stops. If you are not already active in the fight to save the Rhino, you can start today by telling someone the story of Themba and Thandi. Tell them of the horror of poaching and what you can't put into words, show them with the images. Support Kariega in their efforts to keep these icons of the rhino struggle alive and we will play our part on the ground. In 2 days time the Associated Press will distribute these shameful images to their network of 300 channels worldwide. One of the executive directors has described their footage as "the most graphic she has ever seen on this subject" so it will shock the world. But action is what we need more than sympathy and a story of survival is the hope that might just motivate the rest of the world to action. A few days after the 85th birthday of Dr Player, we honour the efforts of his inspiring life by doing something, today and every single day until the poaching stops.

Will Fowlds