PORT ELIZABETH - COUNTLESS PEOPLE JOIN THE RHINO RUN IN AID OF SAVING OUR RHINO POPULATION

Scores donned their running shoes on Saturday in aid of the country's embattled rhino population. The annual multiple city Rhino Run has generated nearly 600-thousand rand since its inception five years ago.


Read how it all began from the founder as per their website therhinorun.com

"Hi. My name is Sian, and I am the founder of the Rhino Run.

In March of 2012, a poaching event happened at the Kariega Game Reserve, close to my home city of Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.

3 Rhinos were attacked by well equipped poachers who, using veterinary tranquilisers to first immobilise the animals, then proceeded to hack the horns off the (still awake but immobile) animals using crude bush machetes and axes.

One of these 3 rhinos unfortunately died on the day of the incident, but the other 2, who were to become famous around the world as Thandi & Themba (Xhosa words for Love & Hope), survived.

The video of how these animals were discovered can be seen below (a word of warning – it is quite graphic). In it you will see Dr William Fowldes give the the 2 surviving rhinos the antidote for the tranquiliser.

It was when I saw these poor animals come around and start to move, each to discover half of their face had been crudely and barbarically hacked off, that I realised I could no longer sit on the sidelines to such horrendous acts of cruelty.

Themba sadly succumbed to his injuries a few weeks later and passed away, but despite unbelievable odds, Thandi survived, and it is this amazing rhino’s story of survival and courage that inspired the Rhino Run."

This is such a worthy and selfless effort from all those involved, if you would like to find out more or perhaps make a donation to assist our rhinos, kindly follow the link and help us battle the scourge of rhino paoching! Click here for donation and more information therhinorun.com