Tarquin Jonathan Bishop
SANParks Honorary Rangers
Personal Message:
During my time volunteering at Care for Wild, I had the incredible experience of working closely with rescued rhinos. My days were filled with feeding and nurturing these magnificent animals, each with their own personality — from the powerful Tank and gentle Jock (only to me apparently) to the fighting spirit of Goose, sweet Daisy, and Maya, who somehow always managed to climb her way into new places. Seeing these animals up close gave me a new appreciation for their resilience and innocence. The highlight was knowing that my birthday was dedicated to something much greater than myself. It was not just a celebration of another year, but of my commitment to supporting the lives of these magnificent animals. This experience has shown me that the most meaningful gifts are often those we give to others, and this birthday was truly one of the most inspiring of my life. One of the most unforgettable moments was doing a trail run through the reserve. It was awe-inspiring to immerse myself in the same landscape that the rhinos call home, feeling a true connection to the land and its inhabitants. I also had the privilege to observe the team’s dedication during a collar-fitting for B11, which demonstrated the care and commitment required to protect these animals. (too many experiences) The passion and dedication of the Care for Wild staff left a lasting impression on me. Their tireless work to safeguard rhinos from poaching and ensure their rehabilitation is beyond inspiring. I realised how many people are unaware of the crisis facing rhinos, and this awakening experience has fuelled my determination to continue supporting their protection. I am more committed than ever to raising awareness and contributing to meaningful actions that help secure a future for these incredible creatures. I will be running the Comrades next year for SANParks to raise funds and awareness and also be contributing monthly to Care for Wild. As Jane Goodall once said, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” This experience has shown me the kind of difference I want to make: one that supports these remarkable animals and the people working to protect them.
