Aspinall Park Rhinos Under Threat From Poachers

Quite unbelievable news coming through as police have been in touch with the Aspinall Foundation to warn them that their rhinos may be under threat from poachers. The animal conservation charity has the most successful breeder of black rhinos in the world, and could now be targeted by black market gangs who are looking to cash in on their hard work.

Now that the species has been pushed to almost extinction in the wild, poachers are now turning their attention to those that live in captivity. The Aspinall Foundation has successfully reared 33 black rhinos, with plans to ship them back into their natural habit through their ‘Back to the Wild’ programme.

Rhinos at both parks are said to have become targets now, as they are kept in relative freedom to roam the acres of countryside that they reside in. The idea is to keep them within a similar lifestyle, so that when they return to their natural habitat there will be no major culture shock. This may unfortunately need some re-thinking, as extra security and monitoring may now be put in place due to the poaching threats.

Damian Aspinall said

It is tragic and beyond belief that, as we do everything possible to restore these magnificent animals safely to the wild, the human traders who seek to profit from their slaughter should bring their vile activities to the UK. In the light of what Kent police have told us is a genuine threat, we will do everything to protect our herds. We will be vigilant and alert at every point at which the rhino could possibly come under threat. We would also ask that visitors to Howletts and Port Lympne report any suspicious behaviour to staff.

The Aspinall Foundation is the countries leading wildlife conservation charity, who work with critically endangered species to help save them from the brink of extinction. If you would like to help their cause, why not adopt an animal through our dedicated charity page? There’s an amazing selection to choose from, and would make the perfect gift for an animal lover. You can even adopt a black rhino, so that your funds will go directly to helping these amazing creatures fight for survival.