Creation of Kenya’s largest rhino sanctuary
 Starting this month, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and its western neighbour Borana Conservancy have begun work to remove the fence separating the two properties to create Kenya’s largest rhino sanctuary with 93,000 acres of prime black rhino habitat.
This is the first time in Kenya that two privately owned and run organizations have undertaken such a move for the benefit of one of the country’s most threatened species. Borana and Lewa have been working closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service to achieve this goal.
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Poachers killed in shoot-out with Big Life Foundation rangers
 In early September, the Big Life Foundation team received reports of men entering Kenya’s Chyulu Hills National Park. Upon receiving the alert, the Big Life Foundation team rushed their rapid response unit to the area, where they joined the Big Life Foundation and Kenya Wildlife (KWS) ranger teams already on the ground.
The units spread out, setting ambushes and combing likely areas for signs of poachers. After four days of searching, the poachers, unsuccessful in their mission to kill a rhino, walked straight into a KWS ambush. The poachers, armed with AK-47s, defied orders to surrender, and there was an exchange of fire in which all three were killed.
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New ‘Chi’ campaign to tackle Vietnamese demand for rhino horn
 Save the Rhino is pleased to announce that we are supporting a revolutionary campaign in Vietnam aimed at reducing the demand for rhino horn.
The campaign was launched in Vietnam on World Rhino Day, 22 September 2014, and aims to change consumer behaviour by targeting key consumer groups in order to reduce the demand for rhino horn. The “Chi campaign” promotes the idea that success, masculinity and good luck, flow from an individual’s internal strength of character and refutes the view that these traits come from a piece of horn. The campaign uses positive messaging targeted at key consumer groups. “Chi” meaning “Will” is a concept in Vietnamese culture signifying the power of what lies within.
Save the Rhino is partnering with TRAFFIC and PSI on the ‘Chi’ campaign, much of the funding of which has come from the UK government’s “Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund”.
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World Rhino Day celebrations
 A big thank you to everyone who celebrated World Rhino Day 2014 on Monday 22 September, especially those who got involved in our #nailit4rhinos campaign to raise funds and awareness for rhinos.
It’s not too late to get involved and upload your photos. Don’t forget to donate – in the UK text NAIL14 £3 to 70070 or visit our website to donate online.
During the day Save the Rhino also held a successful fundraising collection at London Bridge station and a live Q&A on social media with Dirk Swart, Section Ranger from Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
Click here to read more and see our fantastic gallery of supporter images!
Organisations unite for Team Rhino
 This World Rhino Day, Save the Rhino has joined forces with the International Rhino Foundation, Asian Rhino Project and The WILD Foundation as Team Rhino.
Join forces with top rhino groups and rhinos lovers around the world to tackle the greatest poaching crisis this century at www.TeamRhino.org.
Find out more about #TeamRhino
Alleged rhino poaching kingpin arrested in South Africa
 The alleged kingpin of one of South Africa’s biggest and most violent rhino poaching syndicates, accused of obtaining 84 rhino horns via illegal means, has been arrested following a operation led by the South African Hawks.
Hugo Ras and nine other members of the suspected poaching gang appeared in court after they were arrested in various parts of the country in a simultaneous arrest operation led by the Hawks, following a year-long investigation. 318 charges have been laid against the suspects.
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Photo credits: Steve and Ann Toon, Stratton Hatfield, lepetitbrush |
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