Save Rhinos, Save People, Save Tomorrow
Women’s Month
Celebrating women in conservation
August marks Women’s Month in South Africa, a time when we come together to celebrate and honor the remarkable women in conservation. At Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary, women play a central and indispensable role in preserving rhinos, biodiversity, and the well-being of our communities. Their involvement spans a diverse spectrum of activities, ranging from our very own Founder and CEO, Petronel Nieuwoudt to critical roles in finance and administration, media, caregiving, anti-poaching efforts, the Mounted Unit, and hospitality services. The women of the Care for Wild infuse the team with their unique perspectives, empathy, and resilience, enriching conservation efforts with a holistic approach. This month, we salute, acknowledge and applaud the exceptional contributions of these women in conservation, their relentless dedication to safeguarding our natural heritage, and their vital roles in our mission.
Meet Cindy (Pangolin Caregiver)
Meet Cindy, a dedicated animal caregiver and pangolin walker at Care for Wild. Her vital role encompasses the daily care and husbandry of a diverse range of wildlife species under rehabilitation at the sanctuary. Additionally, Cindy is one of the three devoted pangolin carers responsible for the well-being of these rescued animals during their rehabilitation journey. This responsibility entails hours of patient and meticulous walking in the veldt, allowing the pangolins to forage and feed in their natural environment as she prepares them for eventual release.
Meet Witness (Rhino Caregiver)
Witness is a dedicated rhino caregiver at Care for Wild. With years of experience, Witness has risen to a senior position within the rhino caregiving team. Her responsibilities include critical aspects of the rhinos’ well-being as well as stock control and facility hygiene. Witness plays a pivotal role in the rhino rehabilitation process. Her unique bond with orphaned rhino Willow is a testament to the trust and connection she creates with the rhinos as Willow will only accept her daily supplements from Witness!
Meet Dino (Chef)
Dineo has recently joined the Care for Wild team, serving as our head chef. With a wealth of culinary experience, Dineo brings her passion for creating amazing dishes and adds delightful twists to mealtimes, ensuring that volunteers and staff are treated to delicious and nutritional meals. Dineo loves to incorporates fresh vegetables from the Care for Wild gardens, enhancing not only the flavour of her creations but also our overall commitment to environmental sustainability.
Meet Rachel (Social Media)
Rachael started at Care for Wild over 6 years ago as a rhino caregiver and now also handles the sanctuary’s social media. Her favourite aspect of this role is the opportunity to tell the story of Care for Wild and the incredible journey of rhinos and people to a new audience, bridging the gap between our sanctuary and a global audience. Our social media presence is all about authenticity, and Rachael takes pride in showcasing real stories about real people and real rhinos.
Meet Falecia (Anti-Poaching)
Meet Felicia, a dedicated rhino monitor at Care for Wild, whose journey to this role required rigorous ranger training. Felicia’s determination and commitment shone through during the selection process and training, proving that gender should never be a barrier to success. She underwent the same demanding program as her male counterparts and emerged as a true asset to the team. Felicia’s responsibilities range from monitoring and recording behavioural observations of the rhinos to ensuring their protection and managing access control and radio communications. Her unwavering dedication exemplifies the resilience and expertise that make her an invaluable member of the Care for Wild team.
Meet Morgan & Zandile (Community)
Morgan and Zandile bring a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to their role. Morgan is originally from the US, while Zandile lives in the local community. Together with the CFW community team, they create educational programs for the local children as well as coordinating netball and soccer teams. They create a safe and nurturing space where local children can improve their English and maths skills, boost their confidence, and learn more about rhinos and the important role these children have as custodians of their heritage.
Meet Zee & Amelia (Mounted Unit)
Meet Amelia and Zee, two inspiring women and valued members of our elite Mounted Unit at Care for Wild. Zee completed her rigorous training last year, while Amelia has just graduated from the intensive 3-month mounted unit course. These remarkable women share a common journey, as they both underwent demanding ranger training before embarking on their specialised roles within the anti-poaching unit. Amelia and Zee stand as powerful examples of the vital contributions that women make in conservation, breaking stereotypes and showcasing their resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding biodiversity. We are so proud of them.
Rangers Ride to Success: Training and Triumphs of Our Mounted Unit Recruits
At the beginning of June 2023, a new intake of rangers embarked on an intensive training program in preparation for joining our esteemed Mounted Unit. The comprehensive and specialised course was conducted six days a week for 3 months and was led by Australian equestrian specialist, James Cole and his team.
While all troopers had basic ranger training, most were new to horse riding. The curriculum covered horse handling, riding techniques, upkeep tasks, stable duties, feeding protocols, equipment, mounted and dismounted strategies, day and night manoeuvres, POW management, fitness, teamwork, long-range missions, reconnaissance, discipline, communication, drills.
Upon successfully completing a physically and mentally demanding three-month period, the newly trained recruits commemorated their achievement this month with a Passing Out Parade attended by guests including local mine authorities and members of the media. This event recognised their remarkable accomplishments and marked their official inclusion into the Care for Wild Mounted Unit.
We are very proud of all the troopers especially our female rangers and Amelia, who was honoured with the award of ‘Best Student’.Our immense thanks and gratitude to Investec Rhino Lifeline for their support and funding of this crucial and extremely important initiative.
Back to School: Success at Care for Wild’s Kids’ School Holiday Program
Holiday Program draws to a close, we celebrate not only the incredible journey these young children have undertaken but also the bonds that have formed within our community. Each child has embraced the mix of fun and education with enthusiasm, leaving with not only improved English and Maths skills but also a newfound sense of self-confidence. To mark their achievements, we are proud to have presented each child with a winter jacket and a certificate of completion, to recognise their dedication to learning and their commitment to a brighter future. These young individuals are the future stewards of our environment and they will continue to be supported through the Junior Ranger program and After School Support Sessions.
Thank you Konica Minolta
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Konica Minolta for their steadfast support of Care for Wild over the past nine years. Their enduring commitment has made a significant impact, benefiting not only the seven rhinos they sponsor but also the entire organization.
Their generosity extends beyond financial aid, as they also sponsor printers and printing supplies, greatly aiding our administrative needs. Furthermore, their active involvement in community projects and outreach programs empowers young people, creating a positive ripple effect that resonates within our local communities.
Thank You Pepperl+Fuchs
We extend our sincere gratitude to Marc van Pelt from Pepperl+Fuchs for his recent visit to Care for Wild. Pepperl+Fuchs longstanding commitment to our cause has been nothing short of remarkable, as they’ve been sponsoring and supporting Oz since his arrival as a small orphan. They have also more recently supported the ongoing monitoring of the released rhinos with the donation of smart rugged tablets. We are truly honoured to have Pepperl+Fuchs as a valued partner in our mission.
Thank You CAT Financial
We extend our warmest thanks to CAT Financial for their recent visit and their ongoing support. CAT Financial’s involvement with Care for Wild is still relatively new but the effectiveness and impact have already been deeply felt.
We are incredibly grateful to have CAT Financial on board as a dedicated partner in our mission to support rhinos, biodiversity, and our local communities.
Their commitment to our cause is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to continuing this fruitful partnership in the years to come.
Thank You Sabie Valley Coffee & Andrea Lapsley
We want to express our deep gratitude to Sabie Valley Coffee for their unwavering support and loyalty over the years. Your commitment to our cause has been instrumental in our mission to protect and care for rhinos. We also extend our thanks and appreciation to their guest, Andrea Lapsley, for her generous donation towards our rhinos during her visit. Your collective efforts and contributions play a vital role in safeguarding these magnificent creatures and their habitats.
Thank You Animal Survival International
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Animal Survival International and their generous supporters for their donation towards the veterinary care of our most recently orphaned arrival, Bavati. Bavati was left alone and defenseless after pochers killed his mother. Hyenas attacked him and caused severe injuries to his face and tail. Bavti required several veterinary procedures to help heal his wounds and he is progressing well through his rehabilitation program. Thank you Animal Survival International for your love and support of Bavati.
Thank You Rhino Connect
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rhino Connect for their generous donation towards our most recent shipment of milk powder for the rhino orphans under our care.
Rhino calves drink milk from their mothers until around 17 months old. Ensuring rhino orphans receive the proper nutrition is essential for the rehabilitation of young calves and for promoting healthy growth and development. Thank you Rhino Connect for supporting the rhino orphans in this way.
Thank You ‘Remebering Rhino’
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Margot Raggett, the Founder and Producer of the Remembering Wildlife Series of books, for her generous donation to Care for Wild from the proceeds of Remembering Rhinos. Margot’s unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation shines through her remarkable series, which not only educates and inspires but also directly supports organizations like ours.
CELEBRATING OUR FUNDRAISERS IN THE UK
Dan Foskett ran Hadrian’s Wall (that’s a mere 135 Km or 84 Miles) in 23H51min on the 10th of August. What an astonishing performance, we are in awe! Through donations collected via his workplace and his Just Giving page, Dan raised an incredible £2,460
I enjoyed the challenge, mostly anyway! It was a great experience, with lots of high points and only a couple of low points like getting chased by cows when it was getting dark… That wasn’t the most fun ever but certainly something I’ll remember!
I had great support from my brother-in-law and nephew who kept me going with drinks and food supplies at various stops on the route. I also had a friend join for the last 30km, which helped. Thanks also to Bill* (*one of our two Care for Wild’s Trustees) for coming to the start, it was very early in the morning and really appreciated.”
Dan trained so hard for his incredible challenge and raised a fantastic amount. We are beyond grateful for Dan’s continued support over the years. Thinking of organising a challenge to save rhinos from the UK? Email fundraising@careforwild.org.uk we’d love to hear your ideas 🦏
THE WILDWINE-TASTING FUNDRAISERS LAUNCH IN THE UK
We have very exciting news!
You can now organise a wine-tasting fundraiser with our delicious Care for Wild wines in the UK, yay.
We launched the Care for Wild wines back in 2020 – featuring fine South African wines, each bottle sold generating a donation to the charity.
As one of our Wildwine-Tasting Fundraisers, you benefit from a 40% discount when buying your host case. All you have to do is sign up below: https://app.donorfy.com/form/BALI4ZIML3/WildWine2023
Email fundraising@careforwild.org.uk or join our brand new Care for Wild UK Facebook group to access all the materials you will need to make your event a success: your fundraising guide, tasting notes, voting cards, event tips and checklists, wildlife quiz and much more!
Any questions? Email our Community & Fundraising Manager Leo for more info fundraising@careforwild.org.uk
Petronel attending “Boots On the Ground” Event
On Nov 11, 2023, Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary will be attending the “Boots On the Ground” event held by the Monterey Zoo. Petronel will be one the event’s special guests accompanied by Inov Sectionov, Nina Fascione, and Monterey Zoo ambassador “Buddy”.
This will be a great opportunity to attend a night amongst some of the most prominent rhino activists’ and learn more about all the work that entails in protecting the rhino species.
