While rhino populations worldwide have dropped drastically due to poaching and habitat loss, South Africa’s two sub-species – the Black and White Rhino - have started to prosper under the watchful eye of conservation groups like the Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust.

Conservation of rhino in SA has come a long way since Dr Ian Player spearheaded Operation Rhino in 1952 to save the last few remaining white rhino from extinction. It has now reached the stage where White Rhino are freely available on the Game market and many are sold each year to both private and government organizations to re-introduce into areas where they no longer exist.

With this growth in the rhino population, genetic integrity of the species is of utmost importance. This requires that rhino be individually identified and monitored. A numbering system, cutting a small V notch into its ear, has been introduced to mark each animal. This allows for the monitoring of movement and breeding of individual animals.

For a donation of R25 000 to the Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust, up to 15 members of your staff can help with the identification process. By paying to participate in a Rhino immobilization not only do you get to experience a once in a lifetime event but also contribute to conservation and the furthered protection of these amazing creatures.

The operation is carried out with a helicopter to aid in the location of the an animal which is then darted and herded to a suitable location. Once the animal has been immobilised, guests are transferred in game viewing vehicles and have a grandstand view of the procedure. Once the rhino is sedated completely guests then have the opportunity to get off the vehicle and help the veterinary team.