For Natal Parks Board (NPB) June 18, 1990 was a historic day. At the Hluhluwe Game Auction a breeding herd of five black rhino was sold to a private reserve - the Lapalala Wilderness (Pty) Ltd. - for a princely sum of R2,2 million. On international television screens Dale Parker was seen raising his hand followed by the lowering of the auctioneer's hammer. History was made: NPB had succeeded in bringing their black rhino populations to a level where a small group was now available for sale to private land owners. NPB had found that eight private reserves satisfied their requirements and could bid for purchase. The conditions were: sufficient land with suitable habitat, a proven game management policy, an adequate water supply and appropriate fencing and security provisions. Dale Parker's Lapalala was the highest bidder.
For Natal Parks Board (NPB) June 18, 1990 was a historic day. At the Hluhluwe Game Auction a breeding herd of five black rhino was sold to a private reserve - the Lapalala Wilderness (Pty) Ltd. - for a princely sum of R2,2 million. On international television screens Dale Parker was seen raising his hand followed by the lowering of the auctioneer's hammer. History was made: NPB had succeeded in bringing their black rhino populations to a level where a small group was now available for sale to private land owners. In telling the black rhino story the news media unwittingly gave the wrong impression: 'Clive Walker, vice-chairman of the Rhino & Elephant Foundation, has purchased five black rhino for R2,2 million...' The fact that Clive Walker was vice-chairman was not relevant since Clive was acting in his capacity as managing director of Lapalala Wilderness (Pty) Ltd. The owner of the estate, Dale Parker, sat quietly alongside Clive at the auction.
In December 1990, Ed Hem opened a rhino park of 1 000 ha. at Zwartkops, near Kromdraai, 40 km north of Johannesburg. Besides six white rhino (with two still to come), Ed has more than 500 head of game comprising 20 species and including sable, eland, waterbuck, gemsbok, giraffe and buffalo.
Another record was achieved when Foundation corporate member, Fred Keely, paid a record sum of R220 000 for a herd of three white rhino for his Thabazimbi ranch.
For Natal Parks Board (NPB) June 18, 1990 was a historic day. At the Hluhluwe Game Auction a breeding herd of five black rhino was sold to a private reserve - the Lapalala Wilderness (Pty) Ltd. - for a princely sum of R2,2 million. Their success in saving the white rhino from extinction is well known and white rhino have been auctioned for some years by the Board. Another record was achieved when Foundation corporate member, Fred Keely, paid a record sum of R220 000 for a herd of three white rhino for his Thabazimbi ranch. NPB had found that eight private reserves satisfied their requirements and could bid for purchase. The conditions were: sufficient land with suitable habitat, a proven game management policy, an adequate water supply and appropriate fencing and security provisions. Dale Parker's Lapalala was the highest bidder.
