LIFELINE FOR THE BLACK RHINO
Appeal …… February 2007

Dear Friend

Desperate news I'm afraid - at which I feel such despair. The northern white rhino, which was once widespread throughout Central Africa, is feared extinct. There were reports of two individuals in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Garamba National Park just before Christmas but there have been no reports since.

This shocking revelation demonstrates that extinction is not merely an abstract threat - it 's happening right in front of us. And it has made us fear for the future of the world's rhinos more than ever before.

Consequently, we have decided to double our efforts to protect one of Africa's last rhino strongholds. I am writing to you today to ask for your help in raising £50,000 as a matter of urgency.

Nearly a quarter of the world's surviving black rhinos - free from 24-hour armed guards and electric fences - survive in the remote desert regions of Namibia. Save the Rhino Trust's regular and continuous presence is proving an effective deterrent for poachers and has allowed rhino numbers to slowly recover from the slaughter of the 1970s and '80s.

However, without vehicles it is impossible to patrol and monitor this sustainable population of rare black rhino throughout its vast range. Just four mobile tracker teams are forced to share or borrow ageing and unreliable vehicles. Each two-week patrol covers at least 1200kms of extremely rough desert terrain in exceptionally harsh conditions. The vehicles also act as essential support for the camel patrols, re-supplying them with water and other vital rations. But the unforgiving environment takes its toll on even the hardiest of men and vehicles. Parts are expensive, hard to get in this remote region and meagre resources are constantly spent on short-term repairs. They are desperate for at least two new vehicles to keep their mobile protection teams operational. They cost in the region of £20,000 each - but just think of the difference they will make!

Funds are also urgently required to pay for the development of the Rhino Centre HQ. This will not only benefit local communities through employment but also raise awareness and vitally needed sustainable income from the increasing numbers of tourists travelling to this remote destination in search of rhinos and other unique inhabitants of this spectacular environment.

I know it's a lot of money to raise - and a lot to ask. But we are seriously concerned that if we don't act now the black rhino may suffer the same fate as the northern white rhino. Please don't delay - a donation from you, however great or small, really will help us save this species from extinction - before it really is too late.

Thank you.

David Shepherd OBE
Founder and President

If you would like to make a donation follow the link at the top of the page where you can either Donate online or download a copy of the appeal donation form and a Gift Aid declaration form or alternatively you can phone the Foundation Office during normal working hours.