Episode 28: Helping Rhinos

Today on the Wild For Change podcast, we will be discussing the magnificent rhino, with our guest, Simon Jones, CEO of Helping Rhinos.  Helping Rhinos is predominantly based in Africa.  Their focus is on helping the species survive at sustainable levels by improving protection, care, and welfare of the rhino in its natural habitat as well as to forge significant partnerships with successful organizations. Helping Rhinos is celebrating ten years of protecting rhinos in their natural habitat.  Its start began in March of 2012, when Simon learned of the shocking poaching of three rhinos at the Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.It had been just two years prior that Simon had spent six weeks on a conservation project at the Kariega Game Reserve and became acquainted with a rhino named Thandi.  Thandi was one of those three rhinos who fortunately survived the poaching incident.  After enduring many operations, she has given birth to four calves in the past ten years.  A remarkable story that speaks volumes of Helping Rhinos’ dedication to ensure the future of the magnificent rhino.In this podcast, we will learn about:How creating sustainable funding models is Helping Rhinos’ main objective in conserving and protecting the rhino population.Helping Rhinos’ successful partnerships in Africa Helping Rhinos and its partners are creating rhino strongholds which are restoring degrading lands and wildlife corridors in order for the rhino to demonstrate more natural behaviors, improve genetic breeding, and reduce the risk of poaching.   Why rhinos are important to the ecosystem and other wildlife.Why poaching is one of the biggest threats for rhinos.The debate of legalizing the rhino horn trade.How climate change and habitat loss are also major threats to the rhino’s future.How we can help the rhinos have a sustainable future. Website: http://www.wildforchange.comTwitter: @WildForChangeFacebook: /wildforchangeInstagram: wildforchange