Post #90: Thursday 289 November- Whoops...

Hey rhino fans,

Whoops! It has been gently pointed out to me by a big fan of the blog that we have failed to post anything for quite a while now, which is shamefully lax. All I can say is that we have been very busy saving rhinos, and have let it slip somewhat.
This month has actually been a very busy one, with most of us being away at various times on courses, meetings and project visits. There was one day when I was the only one in the office! So lots of dancing round, drinking beer and singing...uh, no. Sadly, I sat and wrote a proposal and then answered all your emails. We are a dedicated lot here, and I know how upset you would have been if we hadn't answered your questions and comments straight away.

I haven't really been participating in these trips away, but I did get a couple of days out of the office at the beginning of this month. Cathy and I went to a Symposium on conservation trade-offs, with lots of different speakers from all over the world. It is good to meet up with other people in the field, and make sure we are up-to-date on all the recent debates and issues. Cathy was also asked to give a presentation at the end of the conference, which meant we were able to talk about the problems facing fundraisers as well as field workers and policy makers. All in all, a good use of a couple of days, and it was at London Zoo so we spent lunchtime wondering round with the animals. No rhinos unfortunately, but not a bad way to spend your day!

Some of you may also have seen us on the BBC News the other night, after the poaching in Zimbabwe. Three rhinos were shot dead at the Imire ranch, which is a worrying development for the wildlife of Zimbabwe, particularly as they were dehorned and the poachers only got away with an inch of horn from each. You can read more about the story on our website, and on the bbc news website. It just goes to show that we are needed more than ever if these amazing animals are to stand any chance of survival.

Keep up the good work!

Hx