In the first ever private game reserve donation of rhino to another country, luxury experiential travel company &Beyond is translocating six white rhino from &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa to Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Facilitated in partnership with RHINO FORCE, this conservation coup has been generously funded by lead sponsor, Motorite Administrators.

“In 2012 alone, South Africa lost a devastating 668 rhino to illegal poaching, which is a 49% increase from the previous year’s figure of 448. Botswana has an excellent security system in place to protect these endangered animals and will be a safe haven for the six relocated rhino. Translocations are fundamental to secure the ongoing survival of endangered species and this groundbreaking project led by &Beyond’s experienced conservation team aims to increase Africa’s dwindling rhino populations for future generations to enjoy,” says Joss Kent, &Beyond CEO.

As one of southern Africa’s largest independent motor-related insurance administrators, Motorite (www.motorite.co.za) supports this translocation to ensure the ongoing conservation of South Africa and Botswana’s natural heritage.

The Okavango Delta has proven to be a successful rhino relocation habitat and Botswana has a strong security and monitoring framework in place whereby the military helps to protect the species. “It’s the ideal opportunity for us to move our eggs out of one basket,” explains &Beyond Conservation Manager, Les Carlisle. “The project has the full support of the Botswana Rhino Management Committee and we are thrilled to be driving such a vital initiative for rhino conservation in partnership with Motorite.”

After years of negotiation and planning, the translocation process is underway. Game scouts from Botswana have undergone intensive tracking and monitoring training at &Beyond Phinda. The movement and behaviour of the six rhino will be closely monitored using satellite collars and telemetry and tracking equipment. A portion of this equipment as well as anti-poaching uniforms and binoculars have been supplied by the Chipembere Rhino Foundation (www.chipembere.org).

&Beyond has made a significant contribution to the protection of rhino over the past 22 years. This project highlights the company’s commitment to its core ethic of Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife and Care of the People.

All profits from the sale of RHINO FORCE bracelets go to &Beyond’s social development partner, Africa Foundation (www.africafoundation.org.za) and are earmarked for projects focused on saving Africa’s rhino populations. Bracelets are sold in several retailers in South Africa and internationally through an e-commerce site. Visit www.rhinoforce.co.zato support the project or purchase online.

&Beyond guests can also purchase the beaded bracelet or a specially designed “Rhinos Without Borders” t-shirt at &Beyond lodge Safari Shops in South Africa and Botswana. All proceeds will go towards the rhino translocation.

To follow the exciting project and ongoing translocation updates, please follow &Beyond on Facebook and Twitter or visit www.andBeyond.com to read Les’s blog, “Carlisle on Conservation” (www.andBeyond.com/carlisle_on_conservation).

ISSUED BY: media@andBeyond.com

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ABOUT &BEYOND

&Beyond is one of the world’s leading luxury experiential travel companies, designing personalised luxury safaris in 16 African countries, as well as India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. The company also owns and operates 33 extraordinary lodges and camps in Africa and India’s wildlife high spots. Established in 1991, &Beyond takes exceptional care of its guests in order to make a difference; its commitment to sustainable responsible travel and community empowerment is world renowned.

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