Where there’s Hope
Thembi inspires team battling to save the rhino
THE remarkable story of Thandi, the sole survivor of poachers at the Kariega Game Reserve near Kentonon-Sea is still unfolding as she recently gave birth to a female calf.
The calf was named Thembi – meaning Hope in isiXhosa – at a special ceremony on Monday.
Exactly three years ago last Monday poachers raided the reserve and shot three rhinos with dart guns before viciously removing heir horns.
One unnamed bull died from his injuries and another bull, Themba, died a few weeks later.
Thandi’s injuries to her face and head were treated for several months, involving the removal of necrotic tissue and the rebuilding of her face.
“We learnt a lot of lessons, and we made our share of mistakes, but we also discovered so many things that have assisted us in treating rhinos,” said veterinarian Will Fowlds at the naming ceremony.
TotT was present shortly after the tragedy occurred and witnessed first-hand the brutality of the attack. Thandi was skittish, however, and disappeared into the bush, a great concern to the vets and rangers as it was clear the animal would need urgent medical attention.
But she was eventu- ally found and treated and has subsequently become an icon for the entire anti-poaching industry.
Rhino cows only reproduce every two-and-a-half years after carrying their young for 15 to 16 months. A rhino calf will weigh between 40kg and 64kg (figures according to the San Diego Zoo).
“Thandi’s inspiration is how we go about saving the rhino,” said Fowlds, who also thanked all the volunteers and organisations that had assisted in getting the message out to the public about the dangerous plight of the rhino.
“Special thanks to Chipembere, Investec, the Wilderness Foundation and so many others for their help. And special thanks go to Kariega for not attempting to hide the issue, but rather opening up their reserve in order to help in highlighting the problem.
“It would have been easy for them to keep everything private, but their openness has put the subject of rhino poaching in the public domain,” he said.
According to figures published by the Department of Environmental Affairs, over the last 14 years the number of rhino poached has increased dramatically, from six animals poached in 2 000 to 1 215 last year (averaging at one animal every eight hours).
Angie Goody, a volunteer from the UK, who travelled to South Africa shortly after the initial attack, and who has returned every year since, has a special bond with the animals, specifically Thandi and her new calf. “She is very special,” said Goody. “I get quite emotional about it all.”
Goody has shown her commitment to the cause of antipoaching by commissioning several large tattoos of rhinos on her arms and legs.
Showing a large life-like picture of Thandi’s face on her right upper arm she said that she was about to have the face of Thembi transcribed alongside it so she could show both mom and calf together.
Goody said care has to be taken now to ensure the two animals remain safe. Such efforts will involve removing Thembi’s horn as part of the rhino dehorning programme.
“But that won’t be for a year or more,” she said.
‘Kariega’s openness [made] poaching public’