The number of rhinos poached in South Africa is rapidly approaching 300 so far this year. 1,004 rhinos were killed in South Africa alone in 2013, more than double the amount in 2011 when 445 were killed.

An increase in the worldwide demand for rhino horn has dramatically pushed up the numbers of deaths of black and white rhino – and to meet demand, poachers have become more high-tech in their methods using helicopters and sophisticated communication equipment to track these majestic creatures.

But rhino protection is given top priority in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in South Africa, a conservation project supported by Save the Rhinos. Experience has shown that the best way to combat poaching is through direct anti-poaching work, together with developing good relationships with local villagers and environmental education programmes in nearby communities.

It's essential that anti-poaching patrols are well equipped to stay out and about longer so they can monitor movements and watch over the rhinos at the reserve. Colchester Zoo's Action for the Wild charity donated £5,374 to the project earlier this month to purchase water bottles, raincoats, radios, sleeping bags, cooking gear and tents for the anti-poaching patrols. The equipment will help patrols to continue with their law enforcement activities and enhance surveillance in the park.

Action for the Wild has been supporting Save the Rhinos projects since 2006. This latest donation will help the anti-poaching patrols to send a strong signal out to the poachers that the reserve will not back down and will continue to protect the black and white rhinos living in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.

Article written by Sarah Jones Beer

To find out more about Action for the Wild and the Rhino project of which it supports please click here.