A couple of years ago, good friend Ray Dearlove, founded The Australian Rhino Project which was established as a means whereby the severely threatened rhinos in Africa could be brought to Australia for an indefinite period so as to have an insurance population herd here in Australia in the event of possible extinction. The project is ongoing. Over the years, Ray has written a number of poems about the plight of the rhinos and has now published these poems in a booklet, simply called “For the Rhino”. Ray writes with passion, from the heart as you will see from this particular poem. See them stand Side by side Mum’s super large horns. His just starting to grow Both so proud See them run The oldest mammals on the planet Majestic, powerful and free See them stop Sniffing, staring Uncertain and nervous Hear the shot See her fall Trembling, shuddering Hear the saw. Feel the pain. Ruthless, cruel, greedy humans Hear his cries His mother’s face a bloody mess All alone Mother and child. No reunion Cry the Beloved Country The foreword to the book has been written by Major-General Johan Jooste who heads the anti-poaching thrust for South Africa National Parks. The General writes, “Ray has unwittingly assumed the role of “rhino ambassador” who has committed personal time and resources to the overall rhino campaign……..I salute him with gratitude on behalf of all those who would forever get a lump in the throat when we read the valued poems. “ Ray has kindly offered to reduce the price of the booklet from $20.00 to $15.00 for our friends and clients. Whilst the poaching of rhino and other endangered species will not stop until the buying stops, any efforts to curb the poaching has to be supported. All proceeds of the sales of this booklet will benefit the all -female anti-poaching unit, the Black Mambas in South Africa, founded in 2013 and which now protects the boundaries of the 52,000ha Balule Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park. These women are also a powerful voice in their communities and work to address the social and moral decay – a product of the rhino poaching that has brought loose morals and narcotics into their communities. See Black Mamba Anti Poaching Unit (helpingrhinos.org) Hil and I strongly support Ray’s efforts and we encourage you to buy one or more of the booklets – they will make an ideal Christmas gift for family, friends and/or clients. With heartfelt thanks John and Hilary and team To order please contact us: jma@destinationsafrica.com.au 02 4984 9747
