There was much excitement at the volunteer house at Kariega Game Reserve as Vivisto volunteers embarked early morning to help catch a large white rhino bull.

The rhino was sold in an exchange programme for the purchase of two young rhino cows. This was part of a controlled conservation management plan of the rhino population on the reserve. The new cows will increase the breeding capacity of the Kariega rhino as well as bring in new genetics. The bull, who has been dominant on the reserve for some time, will be replaced by the sub dominant bull already in the area.

The capture operation was a thoroughly rewarding experience for the volunteers who helped assist. Most notable was pushing and pulling a half awake rhino in an effort to "walk" it to the transport crate. When a 2.2 ton, four legged, prehistoric block of muscle doesn't want to go in the direction you wish it.....it doesn't.

Besides this exciting rhino capture operation, Vivisto's conservation volunteers also recently assisted with buffalo capture. Experiences on Kariega Game Reserve. Something none of them will forget in a hurry.

For your chance to become a volunteer on this project, please see further details or apply online.

The reserve also offers the use of a brand new swimming pool outside the volunteer house, to relax after a hards days graft.