Every adventure has a story. This is Themba’s.
In 2012, three rhinos in the Eastern Cape were attacked by poachers. Thandi miraculously survived and went on to become one of South Africa’s greatest conservation success stories, giving birth to several calves. Sadly, Themba was not as fortunate. He succumbed to the horrific injuries inflicted by poachers who had brutally hacked away his horn.
I will never forget watching a video of Dr William Fowlds sitting beside Themba’s lifeless body. His grief was raw, honest and overwhelming. It was impossible not to feel it.
That moment changed something in me.
My dear friend Bronnie and I knew we couldn’t simply watch from the sidelines anymore. We had to do something.
That year, we entered the Put Foot Rally to raise funds for Project Rhino. We poured our hearts into the campaign and, to our amazement, became the top fundraising team, raising around R150,000 for rhino conservation.
Before the rally, friends I worked with gave us a small travelling teddy bear to accompany us on the journey. I knew immediately what his name had to be.
Themba.
He was named in honour of the rhino whose story had inspired us to take action.
Themba travelled every kilometre of that unforgettable adventure with us.
When we returned home, we heard about an extraordinary young girl named Savanna Harris. Instead of asking for birthday presents, Savanna had asked her friends to donate towards rhino conservation. Her compassion and generosity were remarkable, and Bronnie and I knew Themba belonged with her. At a special presentation at St Mary’s School, we handed him over as a small symbol of encouragement for a young conservationist already making a difference.
Then, in 2016, as I prepared to leave on another expedition, hundreds of people gathered to wish me farewell. Just as I finished speaking, Savanna quietly walked over to me. She placed Themba back into my hands and simply said,
“It’s time for him to go with you. He needs to protect you on the road.”
I have carried him with me ever since.
Today, Themba has travelled thousands of kilometres across Africa. He has been part of countless conservation adventures, quietly reminding me why they matter.
He reminds me of the rhino whose life inspired action. He reminds me of Bronnie’s friendship, of Savanna’s extraordinary kindness, and of the hope that exists in every new generation willing to stand up for our wild places.
As we get ready to set off once again on our Elephant Ignite 10-year Reunion trip, Themba is wearing a little Heartfelt heart that I made especially for him while visiting The Heartfelt Project on expedition.Β
It feels fitting.
Because conservation has never been driven by anger alone.
It has always been driven by love.
And today, as we head out into the bush once more, Themba is coming with us.
