“EXTINCTION of rhinos cannot be our legacy. Through example, we need to teach our children that they have a voice, that responsible citizenship and accountability matter, to move from caring to doing and to make sure that extinction of the rhino is not our legacy!”
This is according to Nikki Bolton, Director of One Land Love It (OLLI), a non-profit organisation focused on rhino conservation, which started an annual virtual event in 2019 called the OLLIMove in response to the poaching crisis.
“The initiative is a call to action as OLLI recognises that although most care, it is not enough and that we need to move with some urgency from simply caring to doing.”
Startling rhino population statistics from the Kruger National Park indicate that this bastion for our rhino recorded over 10 000 rhinos in 2010, but now estimate that there are fewer than 4000 left.
Private parks, previously deemed a haven for rhinos, appear to be increasingly on the radar of poaching syndicates.
Unfortunately, the number of these private rhino bearing sanctuaries has diminished significantly as exorbitant security costs and escalating safety risks make harbouring this keystone species too challenging.
“Coupled with the economic impact that COVID-19 has had on our hospitality industry, this is a dismal trajectory that presents us with the unbelievable reality that unless urgent action is taken, extinction could truly become our legacy.
“OLLI recognised that the public would like to physically do something about this crisis, but that most feel the situation is overwhelming and beyond the control of the average man in the street.
“OLLIMove provides a platform for the ordinary individual to take the step of doing something, anything, with the confident hope that from small beginnings greater things will follow,” said Bolton.
As part of OLLIMove three talented artists, Christine Lamberth, Duncan Stewart and Nicci Swartz, completed their art works live on Facebook so that the public could watch them and bid on their work. Cumulatively they raised over R24 000 for rhino conservation initiatives.
Various schools also participated in colouring in one of OLLI’s free school resources to help raise funds for rhino conservation. OLLI Ambassador, Sharon Jessop, who is currently halfway through her OLLIMove of 22 days is running 670 km between and through various game reserves in the Eastern Cape. She will be finishing on the 11th of October at Kragga Kamma Game Park.
The OLLI Team moved in collaboration with Addo Elephant National Park by visiting conservation communities on the border of the park, spreading kindness, and encouraging learners to leave a legacy as trees were planted at Vusumzi Primary School as a collaborative OLLIMove.
Members of the public can report any suspicious activities around wildlife to the environmental crime hotline which is 0800 205 005 or the SAPS number 10111.
One Land Love It NPC uses funds raised through donations to further the fight against wildlife crime. For more information visit www.move.oneland.co.za
