Anti-poaching ranger walking 1600kms to highlight the plight of rhinos
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Free State - An anti-poaching ranger is walking more than 1600km in about 60 days to highlight the serious danger that is posed to rhinos across South Africa. Philip Volkwyn starting his walk on 31 March from a rhino orphanage near Naboomspruit in Limpopo Province and is now on his way to Bloemfontein.
Volkwyn wants to use the walk to raise awareness among South Africans of the real danger facing the Rhino. Walking without food or accommodation - the same way a baby rhino would be walking around upon the death of its mother, he is relying primarily on the goodness of the South African public to provide him with a place to sleep, and food for the duration of his journey.
According to the Department of Environmental Affairs, over 170 rhinos have been killed up to mid-March this year. This, for a horn made of the same substance as your finger nails! Selling for some $65 000 - $100 000 per kilogram, rhino horn is more expensive than gold. The World Wildlife Fund estimates that there are 20 000 white rhinos in the wild, and a mere 4 800 black rhinos, yet 2013 saw more than a thousand rhinos killed by poachers – at this rate, rhinos will be extinct within the next 15 – 20 years.
Says Volkwyn: “I wanted to show how hard it is to survive without the support and protection of a family – similar to the situation that a baby rhino would face once it’s mother has been killed. And I can tell you – it’s been tough so far. I have had a few nights where I haven’t had accommodation and have had to sleep in the bushes.”
“I’d like to ask that anyone who would be interested in supporting this cause by offering me accommodation or food to get in touch with me. I can be reached on 0848975464. Of course, if you’d like to join me for a portion of the walk – I’d welcome the company and show of support.” Any hotels, bed and breakfasts or restaurants that would like to provide support would be welcome too.
“Protea Hotels have been amazingly supportive during my time in the greater Johannesburg area, providing me with accommodation at their Midrand hotel, Balalaika Sandton, Fire and Ice Sandton, and Protea Roodepoort. I cannot find the words to express my thanks. I’ve also found that people can be amazingly supportive and have had meals offered by the kind people at News Café in Woodmead and others along the way. Thanks today to the Wimpy at the Grasmere 1 stop – the coffee was great!”
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