No child deserves to lose a mother or father at a young age, and no baby rhino deserves to go through the same loss. This was the emotion which Petronel Nieuwoudt, owner of Care for Wild Africa, stirred among the 87 Gr. 5 learners at Fairview Primary School in Barberton on Friday.

World Rhino Day took place last week Thursday. Care for Wild Africa, a sanctuary for orphaned animals such as rhinos, in conjunction with Kishugu, started an awareness drive among schools in the province. Fairview Primary was the first of many schools in the province to learn about the various threats, which endanger our rhinos.

“Kishugu’s ethos is to make a difference and our slogan, for the greater good, prevails in everything we do. We believe in educating and supporting our communities. Kishugu, through Working on Fire, saves lives, the environment and property and therefore by supporting Care for Wild Africa, we live up to that promise,” stated Kishugu’s CEO, Chris de Bruno Austin.

Care for Wild Africa has a strong message against poaching, and the effect it has on orphaned rhinos. “We recognise the importance of creating awareness around the poaching epidemic,” Petronel stated.

“Unwanted wild fires also pose a threat to animals and rhinos.  Especially because the Lowveld is in such close proximity to the Kruger National Park and other game reserves,” said Naranda Leeuwner, Head of Corporate Communication at Kishugu. “It is important for children to know that by starting fires (whether for cooking purposes or other fire related activities) can have disastrous effects. By knowing the various fire dangers, communities can assist in eliminating the loss of lives, animals and property, just by being fire conscious.

“Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders and therefore we have to inspire them to not only care for themselves and others, but also nature. They have to learn to protect their own heritage, and rhinos play a big part of it.  We are privileged to still see rhinos in the wild today, and our future generations deserve the same privilege.” Petronel concluded.