This is what they did to My Rhino

[Gabriela Plesea]

• GABRIELA PLESEA
• GABRIELA PLESEA
• NIKON D5 Ver.1.00

• GABRIELA PLESEA
• GABRIELA PLESEA
• NIKON D4 Ver.1.10

• GABRIELA PLESEA
• GABRIELA PLESEA
• NIKON D4 Ver.1.10

• GABRIELA PLESEA
• GABRIELA PLESEA
• NIKON D5 Ver.1.00

Dearest BPN Friends,

I am back and posting, but with a heavy heart: my beloved Rhinos are being killed by poachers, one by one.

I know it is painful to look, but could you please make an effort?

And no story tonight...I think those images speak for themselves.

Thank you for viewing, I appreciate it.

Kind regards,

 

[Arthur Morris]

I find the first image to be incredibly powerful, a complete story in a single frame. It is a bummer that greed and corruption are taking such a toll...

a

 

[Gabriela Plesea]

I find the first image to be incredibly powerful, a complete story in a single frame. It is a bummer that greed and corruption are taking such a toll...

a

Dearest Sir Arthur,

Thank you from the heart for viewing and kind comments - your support means a lot to me:5

Warmest regards,

 

[Mike Poole]

Superbly captured and way-too-moving story presented here Gabriela.

They show the complete horror of this trade all too well, such pointless destruction of these wonderful beasts.

Thanks for sharing, it would be nice if you could get a bigger platform for these powerful images.

Mike

 

[Gabriela Plesea]

Thank you so much Mike,

I see and photograph similar scenes every week, sometimes a few times a week.

A number of motherless baby rhino in a nursery nearby, I am allowed to go take some images but I still have to get the courage to visit.

This is no longer about capturing images, all I want is to raise awareness. We need new policies in place to protect the species. It is true, corruption and greed is everywhere in SA - but there are some awesome people out there doing their best to help, and I love to support them.

Thinking of ways to reach those platforms you mentioned - let me know if you have any ideas, much appreciated.

Warmest regards,

 

[Arthur Morris]

QG,

Is there any meaningful way for folks to contribute towards rhino protection?

a

 

[Gerhard Weldhagen]

QG,

Is there any meaningful way for folks to contribute towards rhino protection?

a

Yes, support the Australian rhino project! (http://www.theaustralianrhinoproject.org)

 

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Gerhard. I am sorry but I am very pressed for time so I ask: are they working to protecting the rhinos in South Africa or all of Africa?

many thanks, a

 

[Gabriela Plesea]

• GABRIELA PLESEA
• GABRIELA PLESEA
• NIKON D4 Ver.1.10

QG,

Is there any meaningful way for folks to contribute towards rhino protection?

a

Dearest S-K-a,

I am not looking for donations in terms of money, they are organisations who do that. Not always sure where the money goes. What we need most right now is a high quality metal detector. I thought a portable x-ray machine would be the answer, but I just had a chat tonight with our wildlife vet who is attending to those crime scenes, he said it is too expensive and it might not work as well as the metal detector for the purpose it is needed. Why a metal detector? To establish the exact location of the projectile/bullet used by the poacher to kill the animal in order to remove the horn. The bullet is evidence, it leads to the weapon and consequently to the offender who must be prosecuted. Not easy to find and remove a bullet if it happens to be in the skull - and this is where the metal detector comes in.

Those criminals must be removed from society. By the way it was Rhino Day today, and I have just learnt that we lost another six animals in my beloved Park. I have lost count really, I think over a hundred of them were killed this year.

Gerhard, I truly appreciate the Australian rhino project, but we cannot move all our endangered animals to Australia. Or Botswana. I am worried about my rhino. Those rhino I am talking about are close to my village and even closer to my heart. I want them here, and I want them safe. The quicker we identify the criminals, the more animals we will save. If someone is able to help with a high quality metal detector I will put this person in touch with the wildlife vet, just send me a PM please.

Here's another image I took not long ago and it is more gory than any kill I have seen. Man is truly the worst predator on the planet - don't you think so?

 

[Gerhard Weldhagen]

Thanks Gerhard. I am sorry but I am very pressed for time so I ask: are they working to protecting the rhinos in South Africa or all of Africa?

many thanks, a

Hi Arthur,

Africa or even South Africa is too big and complex for one organization to protect all rhinos, it will take collective efforts of local people and a truckload of money to do that. From personal experience I know that is easier said than done and as Gabriella mentioned one does not always know where the money goes.The idea behind the Oz project is to establish a breeding herd of rhino in a safe place to safeguard against worst case scenario i.e. extinction. The first group of rhinos were sourced from South Africa, obviously one need to consider genetic diversity for breeding purposes so ideally rhino from other African countries should be included.

Regards,

Gerhard

 

[Gabriela Plesea]

Dear S-K-a,

We lost another two rhino last night. A real crisis, and I am told we are expecting more casualties tonight. Too many poachers, not enough laws to protect our rhino, red tape, egos, money wasted by the very same people who have the power to change everything. This morning I received some information about an organisation that might be able to provide funds for that metal detector - I am working on it. The criminals must be punished, removed from society.

I feel helpless. I do so little. I want to do more. Raising awareness only goes so far.

Kind regards,

 

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Gabriela - I somehow missed this earlier this week. Very poignant images that really tell of the horrors befalling the rhinos. I agree that the answer needs to be to stop and prosecute the poachers so that these majestic animals can continue to be seen in their natural habitats.

And you are being modest. I know that you spend countless hours donating your time and providing photographic services to aid in the efforts.

TFS (and good to see you posting),
Rachel

 

[Gabriela Plesea]

Thank you so much dearest Rachel,

I am sorry for being so quiet lately, on all fronts - I have more commitments than ever these days and not enough time to process images. But things will change, soon. I did have a few opportunities to capture some images lately but the photographs are more suitable for Story Sequences Forum, because of content.

And I felt bad for neglecting this Forum for some time - so here I am, browsing through my recent folders and looking for a story to share.

Thank you so much Rachel, for taking the time to view and the kindest words. I plan to visit Wildlife and see those images from your recent trip

Warmest regards,

 

[haseeb badar]

Hi Gabriela -- I just wish the best for this specie ! Your images are very powerful and literally moved me . Cannot express my grief and sadly cant contribute for their betterment but can only share their plight with fellow wildlife colleagues and NGO's here in the hope that someone can make a difference . Sometimes the prayers too work .

Great to see you posting and TFS !

 

[Gabriela Plesea]

Dear Haseeb,

It was my intention to move you and indeed I am so grateful for your concern.

Not sure the prayers work, but spreading the word about the plight of all endangered wildlife certainly creates awareness.

We need to educate future generations and help them appreciate and respect the environment.

Thank you so much for your comments, much appreciated.

Warmest regards,

 

[Marc Mol]

A poignant story sequence here Gabriela, have only just seen this now as I've been away in Italy.

The shot from above sends a powerful message.

Gerhard, I truly appreciate the Australian rhino project, but we cannot move all our endangered animals to Australia. Or Botswana. I am worried about my rhino. Those rhino I am talking about are close to my village and even closer to my heart. I want them here, and I want them safe.

I totally understand where you are coming from Gabriela, but the problem is, this species is just NOT safe in RSA, (in light of the current drastic situation) and if it takes moving them to a safer location & country to save them, then I'm totally all for it, granted the relocation costs are huge. The per Rhino relocation costs to Bots are said to be well over US$100K.

I've heard it said many times that the people behind this descruction want to take out ALL and leave no rhino left, hence lifting the rhino horn price to even more astronomocal levels.

All of us here who love Africa and its wildlife are getting sick to the stomach of hearing about the falling numbers whilst those in real power seem to just sit on their hands!

 

[Gabriela Plesea]

Sad but true, Marc - their numbers are dwindling. There is little I can add to what you just said.

All I can say is, I am not giving up. I will do whatever I can to help, even if I have to spend my nights patrolling the Park. Or raise awareness. Whatever it takes.

Thank you for caring, Marc.

Kind regards,

 

[keith mitchell]

Gabriela I am completely lost for words after viewing these images,Pleased you showed it to me even though it is hard to look at and makes be wonder about mankind sometimes.

My very best regards Keith.

 

[Bill Nuttall]

I know - see this every year - s*** just happens to wildlife all over the world

Bloody Chinese - (in this case and many others)

sorry if my posting is not acceptable

 

[Gabriela Plesea]

Thank you so much for caring, Keith and Bill.

Bill, I share your pain and also passion when it comes to wildlife. I am acutely aware that Chinese crime syndicates are partly responsible for the killing of our rhino, but I would be careful when passing generalised statements. Since I have met a number of Chinese people who really care about conservation and really try to make a difference.

Warmest regards,