A new conservation program in South Africa aims to get visitors up close and personal with the rarely spotted rhinoceros. The program is part of Pilanesberg National Park, where rhino poaching has reached epidemic proportions.
To combat the poaching, park officials will track every rhino in the park with ID chips. To offset the cost of the program, Sun International’s flagship resort in Sun City teamed up with park officials to offer guests an opportunity to take part. Visitors get to help the team during the ID chip implantation, getting closer than most people ever get to a rhino.
Perry Dell, marketing and PR manager, Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust, told News24 the tracking program would offer vital biological information to researchers. He said while humans are the species’ biggest threat, they’re also its only hope for survival.
Visitors are trained before the experience, and veterinarians provide information on each procedure. Once rhinos are located and tranquilized, guests can then be moved into the area. If the situation is deemed safe, visitors can approach with the ID team. They will then help under staff direction.
Once the ID is complete, vets reverse the anesthesia and let the rhino roam free, with visitors standing at a safe distance.
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