Over N$800 000 raised for Rhino poaching reward

Staff Writer
More than N$800 000 has been raised within days to fund a N$1 million reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the poaching of a black rhino named Dorsland, her calf, and her unborn calf in the Kunene Region.
The campaign, launched on Facebook over the weekend, quickly gained traction as Namibians from all walks of life pledged their support.
The Conservation Travel Foundation, supported by Ultimate Safaris, pledged N$100 000, while Ultimate Safaris Managing Director Tristan Cowley personally contributed N$50 000 toward the fund.
“This tragedy has deeply affected Namibians, and the response shows how much our people value the protection of wildlife,” said Cowley. “We are confident we’ll raise the remaining amount in the next few days.”
He added that the reward is meant to send a powerful message that informants are more valuable than poachers.
“Poaching in the Kunene Region will be met with a strong and united response — not only from law enforcement, but from the people of Namibia,” Cowley said.
The Kunene Region is home to the world’s largest population of free-roaming, critically endangered black rhinos, which are vital to Namibia’s conservation success and rural tourism economy, sustaining thousands of livelihoods.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the initiative or seek more information can contact jason@conservationtravelfoundation.org.