The world’s largest rhino farm was rescued by an NGO

After months of hardship, the world’s largest rhino farm, set up by a millionaire in South Africa to try to save the species from poaching, has been bought by the NGO African Parks. That made her known Monday 4 September.

This organization, to which Prince Harry of Sussex is linked, manages about twenty protected parks on the continent and now owns 7,800 hectares of land located less than 200 kilometers southwest of Johannesburg. 2,000 white rhinos will be gradually moved there, representing about 15% of the species’ global population.

Obtaining a secret amount

This breeding farm was opened in 2009 by 81-year-old wealthy businessman John Hume. But due to the high costs of his huge project, he put his property up for auction in April, saying he was looking for another “millionaire” to take over. “Raising rhinos is an expensive hobby.”The breeder confessed during an interview with Agence France-Presse before the auction, adding that he had fallen “Fiscal deficit”. The operation has already swallowed more than one hundred million dollars.

African Parks CEO Peter Fearnhead explained in the press release that he complied with a “moral obligation to find a solution for these declining wildlife populations.” Even though he didn’t do it originally “She never intended to own a business raising rhinos in captivity and 2,000 rhinos.”. The NGO, which did not specify the amount paid, received support from the South African government and conservation organizations, as well as financial assistance for the acquisition.