Durban - The escalation in rhino poaching cannot be called anything other than a national crisis.
These beautiful animals are being decimated for an ill-informed belief that their horns boost virility, but the scope of money involved means those responsible have access to resources way beyond what our protection services can afford – and that is where the public can, and has, been playing a key role in answering the call for help.
Now, a new wine brand, launched at the end of last year, can proudly wave its hands in the fight by raising more than R100 000 to be used in this war.
The Rhino Tears range, produced by the Mt Vernon estate, donates proceeds from every bottle sold to Unite Against Poaching and, after selling 8 852 bottles since launching, has now contributed a considerable amount to the cause.
The idea arose when Mt Vernon MD John Hooper met SANParks Honorary Rangers Conservation Services Unit chairman John Turner and The Hat & Creek restaurants’ owner Andre Nel. After spending time with field rangers at the Kruger Wilderness Experience bush camp, the concept for a wine that could raise money for anti-poaching efforts was developed.
Hooper has an inherent love for wildlife and, as a child, was fortunate to spend holidays in the bush, fishing or in remote locations, and, while selling and marketing a wine is difficult and competitive, he believes it is also rewarding.
“When an opportunity arose to mix work with pleasure, I jumped at the chance to give something back and spend time with good people fighting a worthy cause,” he says.
His responsibility was to create a good quality red and white wine; design an attractive and iconic label endorsed by SANParks; and ensure it was in stores before Christmas. He knew “good quality” had to be a wine with universal appeal, but also at a price where people would buy it regularly and enjoy immediately as this would mean more for anti-poaching than a wine stored in a cellar for years before drinking.
The result was a shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and pinotage red wine blend, and a fruit-driven chenin blanc suitable for every occasion. The wines retail for R55, with R15 from each bottle going directly to Unite Against Poaching, thus raising confidence among consumers that their purchase is used for anti-poaching projects in SANParks.
“Every bottle purchased really makes a difference. The cost of the anti-poaching war is expensive and the men and women involved need all they can get to fight a ruthless enemy,” Hooper says.
Rhino Tears wines are available at Pick n Pay, Makro, Tops, Spar, Fruit and Veg City, several major independent retailers or online at www.mountvernon.co.za, www.sanparksvolunteers.org or www.uniteagainstpoaching.co.za.
The Mercury