The Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary NPC was founded by Petronel Nieuwoudt (PN) 15 years ago in the Limpopo province, with the goal of providing care and rehabilitation to a wide range of animals. Due to the limited level of poaching at the time, only a few rhinos were treated at the centre. In 2011 the centre was moved to Barberton, Mpumalanga, and was situated on a leased property as a temporary measure until a more suitable property was availible for purchase. Subsequent to moving to its new property, there was a drastic increase in the number of rhino poaching incidents in the surrounding areas, and an ensuing need to care and rehabilitate for the injured and/or orphaned rhinos, whose mothers were killed during such incidents, became apparent. Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary NPC is developing the existing rehabilitation centre and additional land into a secure stronghold which will eventually accommodate 100 black and white rhinos in a viable secure breeding population. Ultimately, it is the goal of the sanctuary to aid in the process of re-maximizing the rhino population with the intention of preserving the species for future genertations.
In response to the global crisis in rhino conservation, the International Rhino Foundation protects particularly threatened rhino populations in the wild, while also supporting applied research that can help to improve the chances for long-term survival of all rhino species. We have already made great strides in preventing further declines of these magnificent animals and turning rhino population trends around in the areas in which we work. IRF puts its limited resources towards field programs in Asia and Africa targeting the rhino species most in need of and most appropriate for intensive protection and management.
