THE savage attack on staff and animals at the Fundimvelo Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage (FTTRO) last week has elicited sympathy and outrage across the world.
‘We have been overwhelmed by amazing messages of support from people around the globe since the tragic attack on the orphanage, and are humbled by all the messages of support as well as donations that have been streaming in from all over the world,’ said Karen Trendler, who runs the FTTRO located at Thula Thula outside Heatonville.
Slaughter
Her words reflected just how courageous and positive their team remain, while dealing with the after-effects of the attack that saw a gang of armed men enter their premises last Monday night, bind and beat the staff and guards, sexually assault an international volunteer, and slaughter two adolescent white rhino calves for their horns.
Two men have been arrested in connection with the attack.
‘Our team is still on full alert with additional protection measures being implemented to ensure the safety of the staff and calves still in our care,’ said Trendler.
‘The remaining rhino orphans and hippo Charlie are all doing well and we are sticking to our normal schedules to minimise any further disruptions that could cause them stress.’
Meanwhile the conservation world as well as the many thousand ‘friends’ of FTTRO have rallied together to ensure the costs of updating and improving their already-tight security measures are met.
Fundraising efforts have shot through the roof, and at the time of going to print almost half-a-million rand had been deposited to ensure the orphanage can improve infrastructure and continue their work: preventing the extinction of the rhinoceros.
How can you help?
The focus is now on fundraising efforts to increase the safety and security of the staff and animals under the protection of the facility.
‘We will work together with our international and national sponsors and friends to ensure that this never, ever happens again,’ said Francoise Malby-Anthony – Founder of the FRRTO.
To make a secure donation deposit directly to the Fundimvelo Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage, managed by The Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization:
Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization
First National Bank
Account 62396329073
Branch code 223526
EFT reference: rhino orphanage + name
For overseas bank, the Swift code FIRNZAJJ is necessary
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