Project Update June 2020

New Cornerstone Partner Announced

Whilst the world struggles with a global pandemic, the Australian Rhino Project is pleased to announce three significant pieces of positive news that will support global efforts to protect rhinos.
 
Firstly, the Australian Rhino Project is excited to announce a game-changing cornerstone partnership with Gold Rhino and HardHat that moves the project significantly closer to achieving the organisation’s goal to establish an insurance population in Australia and New Zealand.  
 
HardHat enables businesses to manage people, operations, and projects in a safer, faster, and smarter way. The HardHat software solution is purpose-built for asset-intensive industries like Mining, Oil & Gas, Engineering, Construction, Architecture, and Design sectors. Gold Rhino is a private equity firm that provides funding to technology and property development companies to support them in their growth. Both HardHat and Gold Rhino are passionate about protecting rhinos for future generations through their donations, organisational support, and long-term commitment to rhino conservation.  
 
Managing Director, Gold Rhino, and Founder & CEO, HardHat, Tim Smith said, “The conservation and protection of rhinos is something that is an important part of both our companies’ DNAs. We are delighted to be working alongside the Australian Rhino Project and their partner organisations by providing key funding towards the rhino relocation costs, as well as supporting the construction of the New Zealand rhino management centre. We are delighted to be helping bring this project to fruition.”
 
Chairman of the Australian Rhino Project, Allan Davies, said, “The support of Gold Rhino and HardHat has provided significant funding to progress the project. Tim and his team are very passionate about protecting rhinos and we couldn’t be more pleased to have such a generous and committed cornerstone partner for our project.”

Orana Wildlife Park Rhino Management Centre Approved

The announcement of the new cornerstone partner has also coincided with the approval of the building consent for the construction of the rhino management centre at Orana Wildlife Park, Christchurch. This centre will support not only Orana Wildlife Park’s important rhino conservation work but will also act as a quarantine facility for rhinos from South Africa en route to Australia and New Zealand.  Construction of the rhino management centre will commence in the very near future.

Four Rhinos Born During Lockdown!

To top off the good news, the fourth rhino calf born during lockdown has arrived safely at Thaba Manzi Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa. The newborn calf arrived as a delightful surprise to the team and was soon making her tentative first steps alongside her mum.

If you would like to play a part in naming the newborn calf, visit the Australian Rhino Project Facebook page to be part of the naming process for this new addition.

The Australian Rhino Project wishes to thank our supporters for their long-term commitment to helping us achieve our mission of establishing an insurance population of rhinos in Australia and New Zealand.

The Australian Rhino Project is a registered Australian charity and relies on fundraising and partner organisation support. You can show your support through sharing our updates, following our social media, or making a donation.

Allan Davies
Chairman on behalf of the Australian Rhino Project board and team