SOUTH African billionaire Johann Rupert, the chairman of the Peace Parks Foundation, said the conservation group had returned $2 million (R22m) in funding from the Dutch Postcode Lottery after a method it backed to combat rhino poaching failed.
Founded by Rupert’s father, Anton, to establish transborder conservation areas, the group benefited from a e14.4m (R200m) grant from the lottery’s Dream Fund, according to the foundation’s website. The group has researched anti-poaching methods including the injection of toxins and dye into rhino horns.
“We were naive… in our belief rhino horn infusion could help save the rhino,” Rupert said. “When we discovered that it did not work as effectively as was initially claimed… we immediately informed the Dutch Postcode Lottery.” – Bloomberg