EXPLORE Inc.'s founder Cherri Briggs was recently invited by elite lodge operator 'andBeyond' to represent the US travel industry at the top secret release of six white rhino into the Okavango Delta.
'Rhinos Without Borders' is a bold effort to transfer the rhino from South African private reserves to the safe haven of Botswana. Rhino are increasingly under threat by poachers in South Africa. Projections indicate over 1,000 animals will be killed in 2014 if poaching increases at the current rate. His Excellency President Ian Khama and his brother, T.K. Khama, Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism attended the event and pledged Botswana's conservation of the animals. Botswana's track record for protection of wildlife and wilderness make it the clear leader in Africa for conservation. The highly respected Botswana Defense Force works fearlessly to discourage poachers who have learned to stay away from the 'shoot now, ask questions later' policy.
The company plans to bring more rhino to the country in an on-going effort to find a home for the threatened animals.
Watch EXPLORE's video of the inspirational & emotional release of these rhino.