Abaxis in support with #MedivetRhino

Abaxis have a long and proud history of serving the wildlife of this wonderful planet. You can read about all of our past adventures here. We are delighted to announce the latest project we are apart of is the Wilderness Foundation’s Save the Rhino campaign in-conjunction with Medivet, the first project linked directly to the UK office. Working with Dr. William Folds, project co-ordinator, Medivet and the Wilderness Foundation’s campaign aims to protect one of the planet’s most noble animals. In 2014, over 1,215 rhinos were brutally slaughtered for their horns in South Africa, making it the worst poaching year on record. Thankfully, the 2015 rhino poaching statistics saw a slight decline taking the number down to 1,175. Although this is a positive first step, there is a lot more that needs to be done to help save these magnificent animals. Unfortunately, rhino poaching is far from solved and if we do nothing to help fight this illegal trade, we risk losing the rhino population forever. Did you know that a rhino’s horn is actually made from keratin? This is the same material that our own fingernails are made of. Rhinos are being killed due to the false belief that their horns contain medicinal properties that can treat cancer, fever and gout. The only people that benefit from a rhino’s horn are the poachers that make a profit from the illicit trade. Luckily, there are people out there who are dedicated to protecting the future of the rhino. But these rangers who are working on the ground can’t do it alone – that’s why Medivet are supporting the Wilderness Foundation in their quest to protect wild rhinos. Abaxis are helping by generously donating laboratory diagnostic equipment to the project so that proper health screening can be done on the Rhino’s and other indigenous species to the area. Managing Director – Brian Renn will also be accompanying Medivet staff Rachel West and Sophie Byrne on their first trip to South Africa. Stay posted for more news and images of their trip.