About

RhinoProtect was founded by Damian Vergnaud, owner of Inverdoorn Game Reserve and Iziba Safari Lodge, following the poaching of rhinos at neighbouring game reserves. After stepping up security patrols, hiring extra staff, investing in expensive night-vision equipment and the prohibitively costly task of patrolling the reserve by helicopter, Inverdoorn, in consultation with veterinary professionals and concerned staff, had been debating for some time what more the reserve could do to protect their rhinos. Extensive research and discourse ensued and led to the development of a barium and dye-infused treatment that would be injected into the rhinos’ horns. As a result of this treatment, the horn becomes coloured, x-ray detectable and unfit for human consumption – without affecting the rhino or altering the appearance of the horn from the outside. The barium causes it to become more detectable on an airport scanner, while the dye stains the inner core of the horn. The procedure is quick and painless, significantly reducing any stress to the animal and poses no risk to its health.
 
With the threat to their rhinos becoming very real, Damian felt that treating the horns was justified. Inverdoorn’s rhinos are now protected and as an added measure poachers have been warned that the rhinos' horns are treated. This is perhaps only a temporary measure and not a solution; but RhinoProtect hopes to facilitate debate and discourse around the issue with a view to finding sustainable and long-term solutions to an unacceptable situation, as well as raising awareness about the rhino’s plight. With the introduction of two baby rhinos at Inverdoorn, RhinoProtect also hope to establish a rhino orphanage at the reserve to further help conserve the species.