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Eyewitness News
2 days ago
- Health
- Eyewitness News
How to move a rhino
NAKURU, Kenya - Barely feeling the tranquiliser shot, the panic-stricken female rhinoceros ran to take shelter in a wooded area, eluding the low-flying helicopter trying to prevent her escape. The rhino was supposed to be transferred to another park in Kenya on Saturday, but outsmarted the humans. A few minutes later, rangers in 4x4 vehicles searched through thickets too dense for the crane truck that was meant to carry her away. A decision was quickly made to administer the antidote to the tranquilise to prevent her from collapsing. If she fell the wrong way, she could suffocate. The young female will therefore remain where she was born. "The rhino is the worst one to translocate," said Taru Sheldrick, who was piloting the helicopter in Nakuru National Park in northwest Kenya, an oasis of greenery surrounding a deep blue lake. "When you dart them, if you don't have long enough, they're running straight for thick bush, which is their security," he said. "Whenever you're darting a rhino, you have a little bit of fear. Because it's a species in danger. Every animal is just so important." Rhinos, which can weigh up to two tonnes, were once abundant in sub-Saharan Africa. But hunting by European colonisers and later large-scale poaching pushed them to the brink of extinction. Race against time The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) says there are about 28,000 left in the world, nearly 24,000 in Africa. Kenya is home to more than 2,000 of them. Rhinos reproduce less efficiently if too many of its kin live in the same location, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which manages the country's parks. Moving them is therefore important, but rhinos are vulnerable to tranquilisers that slow their breathing, increase their body temperature and affect their heart rate, said Dr Dominic Mijele from KWS. So it is a race against time as soon as a veterinarian, aboard a helicopter, administers the drug using a dart gun. Five to seven minutes after injection, the rhino begins to feel groggy. Then it collapses, as AFP observed on Saturday: after the first female retreated into the bush, three other black rhinos were anaesthetised within the span of a few hours in Nakuru. A rescue team arrived on-site within two minutes of each shot, moving like a well-oiled machine. About a dozen caregivers surrounded the animals, spraying them with water to cool their body temperature, rolling them onto their sides to ensure their respiration was not obstructed, administering oxygen and monitoring their vital signs. Simultaneously, several other rangers secured the animals with straps threaded through the transport cage and attached to the front bumper of a jeep. Fifteen minutes after the rescue team's arrival, the antidote was administered. The animal then jolted to its feet and was promptly guided into a cage, which a crane loaded onto the flatbed of a truck. 'Number one' Mijele boasted of Kenya's unmatched expertise. "We are number one in the world. We have done so many rhino translocations successfully," he said. Jochen Zeitz, the owner of the private Segera Reserve, where about 20 rhinos have been relocated in the past two weeks, could not hide his relief after the latest operation. On his 200 square kilometres of land, elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, cheetahs and more roam freely, said the former Puma CEO and current Harley-Davidson executive. But the reserve lacked "this iconic species" which were present up until 60 years ago in Segera, but have since disappeared. Welcoming rhinos back is "completing the conservation work that we've done as a foundation over the last 22 years" since acquiring the land, he told AFP. Due to the high risk of poaching for their horns, security measures had to be significantly enhanced with 100-150 new security staff, Zeitz said. Late Saturday, a small group witnessed the release of the three rhinos from Nakuru, who had arrived in Segera after a six-hour drive. In the dense night darkness, they listened as the metal bars of the transport cages were removed, doors creaked open, and heavy stomping accompanied by guttural growls rang out. The rhinos had finally arrived at their new home.
Skift
6 days ago
- Business
- Skift
How AI, Gen Z, and Geopolitics Are Reshaping Incentive Travel
More than 500 incentive travel professionals converged at the new AVA Resort Cancun this week for the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) Invitational, raising just under half a million dollars in the process. IRF President Stephanie Harris addressed artificial intelligence, positioning it as an ally rather than a threat. In recent IRF research, 63% of respondents said they either use AI or that they will to support incentive travel planning. The primary uses include private program materials, planning, and forecasting. 'AI is designed to enhance, never to replace,' Harris said. The core strength of incentive travel remains human interaction, or 'HI,' according to Harris. 'The relationship economy means taking a human-first approach. And as we navigate the increasing mistrust of what's in our email, and what is on our social feeds, actual relationships equal trust. Human interaction equals transparency.' She encouraged prioritizing face-to-face connections, despite slower speeds or inefficiencies, over digital alternatives. Harris also highlighted the generational transition underway, noting how rapidly shifting tech skill sets are affecting the industry. 'Over the next five years, 39% of the tech skill sets that we have in this room today are going to be outdated,' she said. 'Gen Z is coming in hot, with new ideas and approaches, and they are adept with technology in ways that frequently astonish and sometimes embarrass me.' Incentive Travel Steady Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty While geopolitical issues and tariffs were key topics, the overall sentiment was cautious optimism, given the long-term nature of incentive planning. 'So far in '25, there have been a lot of OMG moments, but for the rest of the year, we're really not seeing a lot of big change,' said Janet Traphagen, president of Creative Group, during the closing panel. 'In speaking with our customers, they're definitely hunkering down and looking at long-term strategies like their supply chains,' she added. Traphagen shared how one client, early in the Trump administration, relocated an incentive trip from the U.S. to the Caribbean. 'But overall, we have not seen a lot of movement. I think this has made people take a breath and say, 'Let's just see what really happens.' So the impact has not been big, but it has not been zero either.' Another panelist, Chris Johnson, director, global travel and enterprise events at Land O' Lakes, expects continued uncertainty. '2026 is going to have a lot of unpredictability, and probably '27 as well,' he said. 'We need to have some patience and empathy, instead of pushing our top executives to, let's say, get that contract we need signed by next week. Trust me, they're probably not thinking about that event or that contract signature as much as they are about the changing climate within their business.' New Research from the IRF Johnson and the other panelists referred to how they use IRF research in their decision-making and planning. Newly released studies focus on Building a Culture of Recognition and European Attendees Preferences, and are free on the IRF web site.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
City of Cape Town adopts controversial motion calling for policing devolution
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith Bongani Maqungwana, Mzwakhe Mqavashe and Councillor Yusuf Mohamed during Wednesday's Safety and Security Portfolio Committee briefing on the motion calling for the devolution of policing in the Western Cape. Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Media The City of Cape Town's Safety and Security Portfolio Committee has adopted a motion calling for the devolution of targeted policing powers from the national government. The motion further mandates that, if negotiations through the Intergovernmental Relations Framework (IRF) fail to yield results, the City Manager should initiate legal adjudication to secure these powers through the courts. The document presented to the committee states: 'If the formal process through the Intergovernmental Relations Framework fails to achieve outcomes, that the City Manager proceeds to begin an adjudication process through the courts to devolve policing powers, thereby empowering the City of Cape Town with investigating powers to assist the SAPS adequately in addressing the scourge of gun violence.' This comes amid ongoing concerns over gang violence, extortion, and the effectiveness of policing in the metro. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The motion was presented by Democratic Alliance (DA) Councillor Yusuf Mohamed and seconded by United Democratic Movement (UDM) Councillor Bongani Maqungwana. It calls for a formal request to the national government to devolve specific policing functions to the City, including investigative powers for gang-related crimes, drug trafficking, extortion, and firearm offences, as well as crime intelligence and forensic testing of firearms. 'We're not calling for full policing powers, but for targeted, urgent powers that enable the City to fill the gap left by SAPS,' said Mohamed. 'The Constitution already allows for this under Section 99, and we have shown that with the right resources and accountability, we can get results.' Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe, Chairperson of the committee, said communities were struggling under the weight of violent crime and lawlessness. 'Our communities are plagued by crime at all levels, and it is clear that more is needed – from the South African Police Service and the City. The situation is untenable as our residents continue to live in fear, children cannot venture outside, and criminals run our streets.' The City has, in recent years, expanded its investment in crime prevention through the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP), the establishment of the Metro Police Gang and Drug Task Team, and increased use of surveillance technologies. Nqavashe said these efforts required formalised powers to be more effective. 'We can contribute in tackling crime in our city and in giving an answer to the victims... especially on firearms, which are circulating at an alarming rate.' The motion also recommends that national government formalise the work of the technical task team created under the 2024 Safety and Security Cooperation Agreement, which was signed at Erica Park in Belhar by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister Senzo Mchunu, and Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. The agreement included nine workstreams based on the Safe Cities framework. Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, said progress on the workstreams had been slow. 'I still quibbled to the minister... that we must set 31 December as a deadline – a Christmas present for citizens. But now we're almost a year in with no progress.' Smith said the City did not receive real-time crime intelligence from SAPS, which impacted the effectiveness of its operations. 'We only see crime stats months later – it's a history lesson, not a tool for public safety.' He also noted the growing impact of extortion on City operations. 'The contractors are saying, 'we're not safe'.' Smith said over 400 officers were now escorting service teams. 'We are now at the point where every service team may need a police escort. That doubles our operational cost. It's unsustainable.' He said the City had assisted in certain kidnapping cases but was still limited in its scope. 'I cannot go to a public meeting without someone raising this. And I'm tired of telling people saying 'it's not within our powers'.' The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) opposed the motion. Councillor Banzi Dambuza said: "We are against the devolution of policing powers to the City. The DA has proven that they are not able to deal with issues of crime. They are utilising this as a bargaining chip.' He added, 'The City came with a budget that will give six law enforcement personnel per ward, whereas they know that the major issue is within black and coloured areas. "The DA has failed to deal with gangsterism, extortion, and any other issue related to crime. As the EFF we are anti the move of SAPS going to the City, who are entering the position of taking under the wing, making sure they use the power which will be abused; misused and not used to the benefit of our poorest of the poorest.' GOOD Party councillor and Caucus Whip Jonathan Cupido also expressed concerns about the proposal. 'As GOOD, we do not oppose decentralisation. There is a compelling argument for bringing decision-making closer to communities, especially where services are failing. But to suggest that devolving select policing functions will resolve Cape Town's crisis of violent crime, without simultaneously addressing the root causes of that violence, is dangerously misleading,' he said. Between January and March 2025, 1,068 people were murdered in the Western Cape, with 81% of those killings taking place in Cape Town. Gang-related killings in the City accounted for 197 of the 240 gang murders recorded nationally during that period. Cupido said, 'These are the outcomes of systemic failure. A result of entrenched poverty, youth unemployment, addiction, and the spatial legacy of apartheid that continues to shape life in the Cape Flats. These are the conditions in which gangs thrive, not because of a lack of devolved powers, but because we continue to treat crime as a policing problem rather than a social one.' The motion will be tabled at the next full Council meeting for formal adoption.
Skift
22-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Group vs. Individual Incentive Trips: Companies Weigh the Pros and Cons
Though many attendees prefer individual incentives, some companies don't want to let go of the level of control they have with group trips. The vast majority of employees like the idea of an individual Incentive trip they can take on their own time to wherever they choose. Their companies often don't feel the same. Companies may be reluctant to switch from group travel experiences to individual incentives, said Tracy Norum, senior director of incentives & engagement at Meetings & Incentives Worldwide (M&IW). 'Some companies don't want to let go of the level of control they have with group incentives.' In the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF)'s Attendee Preferences for Incentive Travel report, 94% of respondents described individual travel as 'very' or extremely' motivating. The report found that the appeal of these trips was consistent across generations. Individual trips have many positives: Winners can decide when they want to travel. The experience feels more like a vacation because they're not networking with colleagues and talking shop. While group incentives usually allow winners to bring just one guest, individual incentives allow them to travel with their families. Norum has found that this type of travel appeals to a certain age group. 'Our experience shows that Gen X is the top demographic. They've spent most of their careers with group incentive trips as the only option, so it makes sense that a highly personalized, exclusive reward would also be motivating. 'Individual incentives can be more inclusive with the possibility of family trips,' she said. 'Many of our customers who offer pre-planned packages include a Disney experience or an adventure trip for a family of four.' Companies can include special touches — 'fun in the sun' gifts for Caribbean trips, warm outerwear for colder destinations, or wildlife photography gear and safari essentials for trips to Africa. The organizer books all travel and experiences, and serves as the main contact throughout the trip. At the highest level, individual incentives can come with their own concierge and include luxury experiences based on attendees' preferences. For example, M&IW curated packages for a client in the food service industry that included experiences like a one-on-one wine tasting with a master sommelier, cooking a meal with a chef in his restaurant, and meeting the chef and receiving a signed cookbook after dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Not for Everyone Despite the appeal for individuals, companies prefer group travel, according to Andy Schwarz, vice president, content and communications, at the IRF. 'Individual travel was very popular and received a lot of attention coming out of the pandemic,' he said. 'There's more of a focus on group travel now.' Min Choi, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Germain Insurance, said his company's organized trip has proven to be more effective than individual trips. Approximately 50% of the attendees are repeat winners, and the trips also allow them to create new relationships, and even friendships. 'These group excursions offer a higher return on investment, enable us to acknowledge our top performers more effectively, and foster shared experiences that strengthen bonds,' he said. Group trips also allow companies to create experiences that would be challenging for attendees to replicate on their own. 'While one can golf at most courses, an individual traveler would not typically have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on the 16th hole overlooking the ocean,' he said. Attendees do not have to pay for anything, even gratuities, so they can just enjoy the experience. There's no need to worry about safety concerns or fear of becoming lost in an unknown destination. 'These trips provide attendees with an excellent opportunity to explore new locations. They can feel assured knowing that they are part of a group and that our travel staff has arranged everything.'
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
70 South African white rhinos to be relocated to Rwanda
The northern white rhino has all but vanished, with only two females left alive. White rhinos at the Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. Picture:Rwanda's biggest national park announced on Thursday it will be receiving 70 white rhinos from South Africa later this month, in the country's largest such transfer ever. The animals, which can weigh up to two tonnes, are set to travel some 3,400 kilometres (2,100 miles) to their new home in Akagera National Park. 'This event marks a key milestone in rhino conservation and showcases our collective efforts to protect and sustainably manage Akagera National Park,' the park said in a statement. Save the white rhino Once plentiful across sub-Saharan Africa, white rhino suffered first from hunting by European settlers, and later a poaching epidemic that largely wiped them out. According to the International Rhino Foundation (IRF), rhino poaching in Africa rose by four percent from 2022 to 2023, with at least 586 poached in 2023. The southern white rhino, one of two subspecies, is now listed as 'near threatened', with about 17,000 individuals remaining, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The northern white rhino has all but vanished, with only two females left alive. Scientists are attempting to save the species from extinction by harvesting eggs from the younger of the two animals, Fatu, and using sperm from two deceased males to create embryos in an unprecedented breeding programme, the subspecies' last chance at survival. Rwanda, which is positioning itself as a top safari destination, received 30 white rhinos in 2021 in the same park. The population of white rhino is on the rise in South Africa despite poaching, according to IRF. The transfer aims to support their population growth and secure a new breeding stronghold in Rwanda. © Agence France-Presse
