The rhino population in Africa is dwindling dramatically. In 2007 there were 13 recorded rhino fatalities and five years later in 2012, this number grew to 668. Only two years later in 2014 – just on 1215 rhinos were killed by poachers for their horns.
The Cycle of Life directors and their close friend Faye Elliott felt that something more had to be done urgently to save our rhino from extinction, and as an avid conservationist, Simone decided to participate in the annual Cape Town Cycle Tour (109k Peninsula route) to raise funds for anti-poaching efforts in KwaZulu Natal. What started as a once-off charity initiative within the Cycle Tour event, with only six participants, grew in 2018 to 100 like-minded cyclists representing The Cycle of Life and raising funds for the cause, receiving registration as an NPO in Germany, with a branch in South Africa.
Funds raised have been used for various projects in the Northern region of KZN, including over 200 rhino dehornings (as at Sept 2018), the purchase of surveillance equipment, anti-poaching guarding equipment and vehicles used by the anti-poaching unit. Injured animals have received medical attention using these funds too. Young animals at the neighbouring rhino orphanage also received medical treatment and feed was paid for with funds raised by The Cycle of Life.
No less important has been the upliftment of the local communities through education and employment, training anti-poaching guards, and this has had a far reaching and positive impact. Local schools are regularly invited onto the reserve and introduced to the critical importance of conservation in their future – leaving with school bags and stationery and happy memories.
How can you help us help our Rhino's?
If you are interested in getting involved or cycling The Cape Town Cycle Tour with the cycle of Life Team please contact us on info@thecycleoflife.co.za
Thank you for helping us help our rhinos! Simone and René
Have you felt the heat and texture of a rhino’s hide?
I have…
Had you asked me this 5 years ago, I would never have imagined encountering one rhino… Read More
The Cycle of Life Story
Five Years ago, at the height of rhino poaching, three friends – Simone, Faye and René – entered the Cape Town Cycle Tour to raise funds to support the anti-poaching efforts in Zululand of the dwindling rhino population. We were joined by three more friends.. Read More
Dehorn a Rhino
Bayala Safari Lodge & Camp and The Cycle of Life have been involved in conservation projects, particularly rhino conservation over the past 5 years, and actively supported communities bordering the Munyawana Conservancy.. Read More
The cycle of life team cycles the Isimangaliso MTB Race funds for Rhino conservation
As rhino poaching is escalating yearly we are forced to take serious action in protecting this dying species. The Cycle of Life Team will cycle this unique 4-day-stage, 260 km event, starting in the uMkhuze game reserve section and ending in the seaside resort of St Lucia within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park to raise funds for rhino dehorning, anti-poaching and relocation.
ISIMANGALISO is among the most diverse parks in the world with eight major interlinking ecosystems, one of the highest bird counts in the country, incredible plant and game species biodiversity (all of the Big Five) and superlative natural beauty. On the second day the route transits the ‘Big Five’ Phinda Private Game Reserve, then continues through the False Bay section of iSimangaliso and finally into the neighbouring Bonamanzi Private Game Reserve.
Please help us save these beautiful creatures before it’s too late.
