Quintus Strauss
Platinum Rhino – 8 500 hectares of re-established natural habitat in the North West Province of South Africa, owned by private rhino owner John Hume, is due to go under the auctioneer’s hammer on Wednesday.
Hume, a business entrepreneur, can no longer afford the upkeep of his close to 2 000 white rhinos – an unparalleled conservation legacy in the history of South Africa.
The white rhino is a near-threatened species and Hume hopes that whoever purchases Platinum Rhino will secure the future of this iconic African animal for generations to come.
In addition to being a safe haven for rhino, Platinum Rhino also encompasses one of the largest growing breeding populations in existence, capable of producing anything from 150-200 rhino calves a year.
These animals are protected by a highly effective security system, with a track record of six years without incursions or losses to poachers.
The efficient venture currently supports more than 100 staff members and their families, contributing to employment in a struggling province.
The buyer of Platinum Rhino will play a key role in securing the future of the iconic white rhino, says Hume – a legacy of which any nature lover could be proud.
“We are very proud to report that our rhino breeding project has performed very well, and our southern white rhino herd has now grown to a staggering 1 992 in number, despite the fact that we have had to sell a large number of animals to fund ongoing operations over the past few years,” says Hume.
“We have bred 1 912 progeny here on the project and will continue to breed more rhino if given the opportunity. Sadly, the lives of all these rhinos remain in severe jeopardy if we cannot find someone who is willing to continue investing in their future. I am 81 years old and have run out of time. I need someone with the same passion for conservation to continue what I have started.”
