Earlier this year, four rhinos on the Elandela Private Game Reserve narrowly escaped with their lives following attempted poaching incidents. The rhinos were, however, left with injuries and bullet wounds.

This is a ‘blow-by-blow’ account of how the collaborative response team is tracking down and treating all four rhinos. The team includes experts from Investec Rhino Lifeline, Chipembere Rhino Foundation and the Wilderness Foundation’s Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative.

Port Elizabeth-born Warriors and Proteas cricketer, Colin Ingram will be batting for rhinos next time he takes to the field.

The young sportsman is passionate about doing something to help save one of South Africa’s iconic wildlife species, and has signed on as an ambassador to support the Wilderness Foundation’s Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative.

“I’ve always loved wildlife and especially the South African wild,” says Ingram. “It’s special and should be looked after. I got involved as these majestic creatures are very special to us as a nation. It’s our heritage and pride, so the rhino is about every South African."

Two students from the Umzi Wethu conservation training academy in Port Elizabeth now have a better view on conservation thanks to the donation of glasses from Spec-Savers.

Emelda Eachells and Sigqibo Manene received their spectacles from Spec-Savers Greenacres on Friday, April 05, 2013.

Spec-Savers is a long-term sponsor of the Wilderness Foundation’s Umzi Wethu skills development and job placement programme.

“Thanks to the sponsorship, we are able to send all of the Umzi Wethu students for free testing and evaluation. Most of the students have never visited an optometrist before, and don’t know that they have eye problems,” says Umzi Wethu conservation programme manager, Lincoln Meyer. “Spec-Savers supplies the students with free eyewear, and continues to ensure that the students have essential eye care throughout the year.”