Behati fights for Namibia's rhino

Ellanie Smit
Supermodel Behati Prinsloo is back in her motherland in an effort to help save the rhino which in recent years has been increasingly targeted by poachers.

The 30-year-old model who is married to Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine was born in Grootfontein and has joined forces with Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) Namibia to raise awareness about rhino conservation and stop poaching.

As part of her alliance with SRT, Prinsloo is launching a global campaign and has travelled to Namibia this month, entrenching herself in its movement to protect the critically endangered black rhino and conserve the population.

The supermodel took to Instagram recently to share snaps from her trip, in hopes to raise awareness for the cause. 'This is where I've been. The motherland....Can't wait to share my adventure.' On Earth Day in April, she teased her then-upcoming trip with a post dedicated to the rhinos. She then revealed her partnership with Save the Rhino Trust.

Prinsloo did not post to her page again until last week, when she teased of what would come. She later revealed the reason for her trip, and referred to it as an unforgettable trip filled with love, passion, adventure and dedication from everyone involved.

In a statement issued by Save the Rhino Trust Namibia, Prinsloo returned home and hit the ground alongside trackers from Save the Rhino Trust and Rhino Rangers from the Conservancy Rhino Ranger Incentive Programme.

“Tracking rhinos on foot across rugged terrain and absorbing the effects of wildlife crime compounded by the drought, she gained a deeper understanding of the commitment needed to protect these critically endangered animals,” said SRT.

This was her first trip to Namibia in seven years and it provided an opportunity for her to chronicle this transformative journey in an effort to share the story of these incredible creatures and the amazing community of Namibians fighting for their survival.

“Namibia is my home. It's the secret jewel of Mother Africa. It's also one of the most amazing places in the world, and the rhinos contribute to this sense of wonder. I grew up there and it is where my parents still live so this cause is very close to my heart. The opportunity to come home to see what is happening, to meet people caring for orphaned black and white rhinos, and to work with the trackers, rangers and communities to raise awareness is very important to me. Someday, I want to take my children to experience these animals in the wild. They've inspired us for generations; it's on us to help them now,” Prinsloo said.

According to Ginger Mauney, who pioneered this partnership under the World Wildlife Fund in Namibia's Rhino Innovation Fund they also received enthusiastic support from their partners in conservation at B2Gold, Mount Etjo Safari Lodge, Ongava Game Reserve, WestAir Aviation and Wilderness Safaris Namibia who helped to make this trip possible

“This supports speaks to the level of excitement shared by all of us at SRT, Rhino Rangers and within local conservancies. We are thrilled to welcome Behati Prinsloo to our team and we know that her involvement will make a tremendous difference for rhinos and for Namibia,” said CEO of SRT, Simson Uri-Khob.



ELLANIE SMIT

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-23

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