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 David's
rhino painting in 1990 enabled DSWF to rescue the black rhino,
Shibula, from her concrete prison in Lisbon Zoo and return her
to the wild. In September 1994 Shibula made history when, having
mated with a wild bull, she produced her first calf. This was
the start of a conservation success story that continues today.
Ten years later, the project to expand the Mountain Zebra National
Park (MZNP) commenced, and later became inextricably linked to
Shibula. The expansion, by over 200%, was made possible by two
further paintings by David, which raised over £200,000,
and with matching funds from South Africa National Parks, we were
able to purchase adjoining farm land.
 In
2000, again with support from DSWF, black rhino were reintroduced
into the newly expanded park, including Shibula's first calf Dundi
amongst others, and regular rhino monitoring of Shibula, who in
2003 gave birth to her 5th calf, and the newly formed breeding
project at MZNP in the two respective national parks was started.
With increased tourism, this has provided
welcome employment for the local community. With increased protected
habitat, has allowed not only the reintroduction of black rhino
after an absence of over 150 years, but has ensured the safety
of the critically endangered Cape mountain zebra, which numbers
already increased from 250 to 350. Gemsbok and disease free buffalo
have also been successfully released and are breeding well, and
it is hoped to release cheetah in the near future.
Reasons for DSWF support:
The aim of the project is to build up vital
black rhino breeding, monitor populations, introduce other endangered
species in to newly enlarged protected areas and to benefit local
people through increased tourism.
DSWF funds:
Funds have been used to quadruple
the size of MZNP, to translocate and reintroduce a breeding population
of rhino to MZNP, and to monitor increasing populations of rhino
in other parks and reserves within South Africa.
Funds from the DSWF have made a huge
difference, not only to the expansion, but also to the safety
and security of these two populations of rhino. Field rangers
have been trained and motivated, as well as supplied with equipment
such as binoculars.
Over the last year, the project has
developed a detailed and comprehensive database as well as a photographic
record on each rhino and all new calves.
If you would like to support the Black
Rhino Conservation project please follow the link below to make
a donation or you can phone the Foundation Office on 01483 272323.
Every little contribution helps wildlife
and remember 100% of your donation will go in full to the project - thank you!
You can also help by becoming a member
of DSWF. Click here for more information
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