Photographers give it their best shot
THESE spectacular images are part of a the book Remembering Rhinos which hopes to raise more than £100 000 (R1.6 million) for the conservation of the species. Remembering Rhinos is a follow-up to the highly successful Remembering Elephants book and exhibition last year which raised more than £135 000 for anti-poaching activity via The Born Free Foundation.
The book is a collaboration between 55 of the world’s top wildlife photographers and hopes to support anti-rhino poaching projects across Africa and Asia.
In its crowd-funding launch earlier this month, the book reached £20 000 needed to secure publication in three hours. Today the Kickstarter campaign stands at just over £80 000 with 15 days to go.
“I think we have hit a real nerve when it comes to people wanting to support something positive in the world of conservation right now,” says photographer Margot Raggett.
One of the contributors is South African wildlife photographer Daryl Balfour, a professional photographer for over 30 years who is based in Mpumalanga.
He told us of his involvement in both books.
“Rhinos are very close to my heart. Elephants are very close to my heart. Africa is very close to my heart,” he says. “My first book was on rhinos. My wife and I were living in Mfolozi and we would walk with them every day. This was my opportunity as a photographer to give something back. It’s immensely satisfying to be included in the book.”
“We need to remember rhinos and the plight they are facing right now. But our intention is also to document this beautiful animal for the world and future generations,” said Raggett.
The book will go on sale at that exhibition in October, ready for Christmas. All the of profits from the project will be administered by The Born Free Foundation.