Save The Rhino Conservation Project

Project: Save The Rhino

Bisbee's Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund (BF&WCF) has established an anti-poaching academy and Rhino/game breeding operation in the Limpopo area of South Africa – called Thaba NKWE (Mountain Leopard – in Sotho tribal language) in order to combat the serious problem of Rhino poaching for the illegal horn trade that has fast become an international dilemma. Demand for Rhino horn comes from the scientifically dismissed myth that there are medicinal and/or sexual enhancing capabilities inherent within the horn. Scientists and chemist have proven that there is no medicinal profit other than placebo.

In just South Africa, where roughly 80% of Africa’s Rhino exist - 1,004 were illegally killed in (2013), 668 in (2012), 448 in (2011), 333 in (2011) and 122 in 2009. As of (10/14/14) 658 Rhino were illegally killed – which puts us in line for about 1,053 projected illegal killings by year-end 2014. Rhino poaching is superseding births and Rhino will move from near extinction status to actual extinction – soon.

BF&WCF’s aggressive campaign includes such projects as:

NKWE Tactical Training Academy – recruits, trains and provides commando style field ranger training in field survival, light arms qualification, surveillance, anti-poaching skills, CSI & private security on NKWE.
NKWE Rhino Breeding Program and THABA NKWE preserve – 1,200-acre sanctuary with on-site security force to protect existing game and the growing new Rhino herd.
Collective Coop of adjoining and nearby ranches for the preservation of rhino and other wildlife – utilizing NKWE rangers.
NKWE shooting & live tactical ranges – government certified.
NKWE Lazershot Training Compound – Computer Simulated Tactical Situations on various weapon systems and confrontation/capture scenarios.
SMART (Spacial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) – Anti-poaching Software.
Helicopter, light aircraft, and drone surveillance and response capability.

These are just a few of the programs and tools we have strategically implemented thus far and our efforts and synergy are increasing with phenomenal growth and cooperation among the global community. If you would like to know more go to BisbeeConservationFund.org and if you would like to donate click on the “donate” tab at the top right of the page. Join us in the war against this evil.

BFWCF Funded Rhino Projects

Rhino Dart Hund & Veterinary Services

On May 12, 2018, Bisbee’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fund (BF&WCF) along with Daggaboy Safaris of South Africa hosted a “catch-and-release” conservation dart-hunt for a white rhino. In what was an auction fundraiser, Canadian businessman Brian Walley and Texas businessman Luis Zumaeta teamed up and their winning $21,000. USD bid won them the opportunity to successfully hunt and dart a white rhino at a reserve just outside the town of Polokwane, in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The exact location of the rhino reserve is being withheld for rhino security purposes. All proceeds from the hunt go towards BF&WCF’s wildlife conservation efforts.

Establishing a New Rhino Herd

In 2013, the Bisbee’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund purchased its first breeding pair of Rhinos. One year later, a new calf was welcomed to the program. This was the beginning of a new herd. This short video tells the story.

2016 UPDATE: Our second calf was born in 2016 and is doing great!

SMART Conservation Software

Bisbee's Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund proudly funded the creation of SMART Conservation Software. SMART is a new and improved tool for measuring, evaluating and improving the effectiveness of wildlife law enforcement patrols and site-based conservation activities.

Rhino Poaching Documentary

Bisbee's Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund proudly funded the making of a rhino poaching documentary. In 2013 Bisbee's Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund in partnership with Cinema Humain produced a documentary to help educate the public on the rising crisis of rhino poaching in South Africa.

Latest News

BISBEE’S HOSTS THEIR 2nd CATCH-AND-RELEASE RHINO VITA DART EXPERIENCE FOR CONSERVATION
April 17, 2019
by BFWCF

As we’ve all heard, Elvis did in fact leave the building eons ago, but this month, he resurfaced in the African wilderness to join the Bisbee’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fund (BF&WCF) along with Daggaboy Safaris of South Africa as they hosted their second “catch-and-release” conservation vita dart experience for a white rhino. In what was an auction fundraiser, the infamous Chicago area based offshore fishing team called “Ten Brothers” won the privilege for the prized hunting opportunity. Self described as “the most dynamic fishing team in the world”, the Ten Brothers team has won approx. $2 million in cash prizes in past Bisbee’s offshore fishing tournaments in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

BISBEE’S HOSTS CATCH-AND-RELEASE RHINO HUNT FOR CONSERVATION - May 12, 2018
by BFWCF

Nkwe Tactical Training Academy's Graduating Class of 2015
BisbeesConservationFund.org

The Bisbee's Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund is proud to announce the first graduating class of 2015 from the Nkwe Tactical Training Academy.

Gun drills and discipline at S.Africa anti-poaching school
by Stephanie Findlay, AFP | Business Insider

Vaalwater (South Africa) (AFP) - Gripping a semi-automatic rifle in his muscular right hand, anti-poaching instructor Simon Rood berates his students for not taking their gun lessons seriously.

Nkwe Tactical Training Academy Officially Opens
by Capt. Dave Lear

The ceremony went off without a hitch. On Friday, April 26, 2013, the inaugural class of proud recruits received their diplomas as the Nkwe Tactical Training Academy in the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve officially opened its doors. Many of the newly-designated Rhino Monitor graduates will go on to advanced training in wildlife management, surveillance, crime scene investigation and small arms tactics as they continue their careers as field rangers. The academy is the cornerstone of PROJECT: Save the Rhino.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Lapalala Wilderness, South Africa
For more information, contact: wayne@BisbeesConservationFund.org

The first graduates walk out of Nkwe Tactical Training Academy Friday, April 26, as certified rhinoceros monitors with a better understanding of the warning signs of poaching activity. Most will go on to advanced classes where they’ll receive instruction in wildlife management, surveillance, crime scene investigation and small arms tactics in preparation for careers as field rangers.

The NTTA Story...Project: Save The Rhino by Capt. Dave Lear

It’s been a gruesome campaign with no shortage of innocent victims. But as the long-running war against rhinoceros poachers in South Africa rages on, there is growing reason for hope. More boots will soon be on the ground as newly-trained field rangers venture into the bush on anti-poaching patrols on private game reserves where most of the rhinos live.

Namibia's Widening Poaching Crisis

Windhoek - The rare killing of a black rhino for its horns in Namibia has prompted fears that a poaching epidemic in neighbouring South Africa could spill across the border.

Original Source - http://www.news24.com/Green/News/Namibias-widening-poaching-crisis-20121227

Update on Rhino Poaching and Signing of MOU Between South Africa and the People's Republic of China.

The fight against rhino poaching was given a further shot in the arm this week with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China on cooperation in the fields of Wetland and Desert Ecosystems and Wildlife Conservation.