Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage was attacked by poachers and the outcome was heartbreaking. South Africans have refused to give up and collectively raised over 400k in 24hrs.
The Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage was struck by tragedy when poachers raided and attacked the premises, injuring staff and fatally wounding two rhino calf’s. The world has collectively felt the agony of this loss and are angered by the actions of a small group of men. However they refuse to let the poachers win!
In less than 24 hours the public has crowdfunded over R 400,000.00 to help beef up security to protect the remaining rhino calf’s.
The funds were raised by 369 patrons in 21 hours. The original goal was $ 6,300.00 but a whopping $ 32,025.00 was raised. These are only figures from the crowdfunding website Generosity. Other avenues of donations where also made available to the public and those figures have not yet been released. This is a massive help to preventing this from happening again.
The fund was started by Megan Richards, a volunteer at Thula Thula. The original $ 6,300.00 would have provided the orphanage with 4 months of additional security.
“You have restored my faith in humanity with your support. AT THIS RATE WE CAN HELP FUND LONG TERM PROTECTION! 1 YEAR OF COMPLETE PROTECTION WOULD COST APPROX. $55,000.” – Megan Richards
“The remaining rhino orphans and Charlie are all doing well and we are sticking to our normal schedules to minimize any further disruptions that could cause them stress.” – Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage
As of the 23rd of February, 3 days after the attack occurred arrests have been made. An official statement was released on the Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage page at 09:51am on the 23rd of February confirming that 2 suspects where in custody.
“Yesterday SAPS successfully intercepted and arrested two suspected rhino poachers in Ermelo. One .458 rifle and ammunition recovered. Suspects brought back to KZN as they are believed to have been involved in recent Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage incident. In a separate arrest, in a joint operation, Ezemvelo and SAPS Rhino 7 successfully arrested on suspected rhino poacher and seized a .375 rifle and ammunition.”
Rest in Peace Impi and Gugu, your lives will forever live on in our hearts.
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