Mercurial Mother Nature

While the northern parts of South Africa are experiencing record-breaking rainfall and dealing with flooding, a quiet reserve on the southern part of the country, who relies on spring rains to feed their wildlife, hopes for even a little rain to fall this spring.
Spring rains (September – December) mean ample, natural grazing areas for the rhino.  This year, those rains did not materialize, leading to drought-like conditions in the area.  If there is not enough land for the rhino to forage, it can mean a dangerous situation for the rhino’s long-term survival.

Veterinary Conservation Coalition funded the purchase of loads of lucerne (alfalfa) hay to supplement the diet for a crash of rhino on a private reserve during the drought.

A helping hand

Supplementing feed keeps the rhino in good weight, so their health and breeding ability are not affected.  Lucerne, or alfalfa as it’s known in the U.S., has a higher protein and calorie content than grass hay, providing a bigger boost to each of the 4,000-5,000 pound rhino.  The goal is to keep the crash healthy through the drought until the rains make their way to provide much needed moisture for the land.
It is our mission and pleasure to extend a helping hand to keep rhino healthy and protected.  We are infinitely fond of the small reserves who reach out asking for so little to make such a big difference.

VCC: Close-up of a rhinoceros mouth holding a clump of supplemental lucerne at an Eastern Cape Reserve.

PO Box 358
Peralta, NM 87042

love@veterinaryconservationcoalition.com

505-804-1846
+15058041846