Midlands Black Rhino Conservancy, also known as MBRC was formed in 1987 in order to save the black rhino which were being slaughtered by cross border poachers. The idea was to move them to a central location of the country to discourage the poachers. The area originally set up for this purpose was 63,000ha which consisted of land belonging to 14 farms. The 14 owners who gave up their land drew up a constitution in which they agreed to stop agricultural activities, pull down internal fences and stop further construction of buildings.
Through this constitution they managed to protect the Black Rhino, wildlife habitat and other wildlife species. Over a period of 20 years the key species, the Black Rhino produced 66 calves (34 females and 32 males). To date, the area is home to various antelopes including the Kudu, Eland, Impala, Bush Buck, Waterbuck and large herbivores such as Elephants, Buffaloes, Black Rhino, Hippopotamus and Zebra. The carnivores recorded in the conservancy include a pack of Wild Dogs, Leopards, Cheetah, Brown Hyena, Spotted Hyena; Caracal, serial and occasionally Lions.
• To protect and to conserve the environment and wildlife particularly, but not by way of limitation the Rhinoceros.
• To promote and engage in the best practicable wildlife and land management practices that ensure a safe wildlife haven within our conservancy.
• Moreena - Mr. and Mrs. Killilea
• Mazuri - Mrs. Lowe
• Mahamara - Mr. S. Chaduka
• Chenyika - Mr. and Mrs. King
• Circle G - Colonel Singizi
• Dunlop - Various new settlers
• Twin Springs - Mr. and Mrs. Rutledge
• Bemthree - Mr. and Mrs. Sibanda
• Eastrange - Mr. Grant Hewlett
• Sebakwe Recreational Park - National Parks
Gary is a civil engineer and, through the consulting engineering firm he established in 1981, has been involved in a wide range of urban and rural projects encompassing water supply, sanitation and roadworks. Through his involvement in Moreena Ranch since 1993, he has always been a keen wildlife enthusiast. His vision is to increase the rhino population to a sustainable number, expand the wildlife and plains game, continue strenghtening MBRC structures and engage strongly with the local community for support in protecting the natural habitat.
Sailas is a Retired Senior Assistant Commissioner of the Zimbabwe Republic Police. He is a serious conservationist and works tirelessly to protect the crush of rhino, resident wildlife and natural vegetation. As Vice-Chairman, he liaises closely with the surrounding communities, state agencies, provincial authorities and district councils. He is dedicated to conserving the Midlands Province natural heritage of fauna and flora that prevails within MBRC for future generations to view and enjoy.
Ian Rutledge has a Bachelor Degree in Agricultural Management from the University of Natal. Professional hunting and guiding for the past 30 years has given him a profound insight into wildlife, its management and natural ecology. He has lived in the Midlands Black Rhino Conservancy for the past 12 years with his wife Mary-Lou and daughters, Renee and Kimberley. Ian is currently serving as the Finance Officer and also runs Twin Springs which is located in the conservancy.
Doreen is a driven and passionate artist, an acclaimed painter and curator who has exhibited her works in different countries. She is the current Executive Director of the National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe and an Executive Committee member of Midlands Black Rhino Conservancy, responsible for marketing and public relations. In addition, Doreen runs the Nyangombe Safari Lodge located in the Conservancy.
Ben is a committee member of the MBRC and has a Master’s degree in strategic management. His responsibilities within the committee is to enhance the cooperation between the community and the conservancy through social activities such as sports.
Palloma Pachiti, a passionate Environmentalist has been involved in community development, environmental education and research work for more than a decade. She is involved school and community projects to improve livelihoods and raise awareness of wildlife and natural resources.
Dave grew up and spent his whole life in the bush and as such is dedicated to the protection of the rhino. He has been in the wildlife industry for over 20 years in which time he trained elephants, built camps and led anti-poaching teams. Being a fisherman, he founded and ran the MBRC Fishing Competition for years.
Ashton was born and raised on a farm and this cultured an outdoor lifestyle interest. His passion for wildlife led him to study Wildlife Biology. He is an Ecologist and Wildlife Case Monitor.
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