Dr. Ian Player, known as the "Grandfather of Conservation" in South Africa, passed away at age 87. He dedicated his life to saving the white rhino species from extinction and protecting endangered animals across the world. In the 1960s, he initiated the relocation of the last surviving white rhinos from reserves to increase the population in Kruger National Park and prevent their extinction. Later in his career, he opened the Dr. Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre to educate people about fighting rhino poaching and microchipping rhinos. He had a profound passion for animals and honored protecting them, leaving behind a significant conservation legacy.

1. The “Grandfather of Conservation”
On Sunday, November 30th
, a highly influential member of the conservation team
in South Africa was lost, but will never forgotten. Dr. Ian Player passed away at
midday in his home in KwaZulu-Natal at the age of 87. Dr Player dedicated most
of his life, not only saving the White Rhino species from extinction, but to the
sustainability of endangered animals all across the world. From South Africa to
the Philippines, Dr Player fought battles for the lives of animals, big and small.
At a young age, Dr. Ian Player became “linked to the soul of Africa” after reading
van der Post’s book, Venture to the Interior. The book had an overpowering effect
on him, which sparked his ambitions for conservation. He started his career in
1952 with the Natal Parks, Game and Fish Preservation Board. He later became
senior warden of the iMfolozi Game Reserve where he began his dream,
“Operation Rhino”. During the 1960’s, the white rhino population in the Kruger
National Park was borderline extinct until Dr Player initiated the relocation of
the last surviving population from the iMfolozi and Hluhluwe reserves. Urgent
breeding programmes were launched to increase the Rhino population across
the country as well as around the world.
Those who were lucky enough to be present at his renowned speech made at the
World Youth Rhino Summit, witnessed a glimpse of his unequivocal passion for
saving animals. Dr Ian Player captivated his audience with the relationship
between man and animals by stating, “This is where man evolved; this is where
we walked on the path with the animals. And Ntombela used to say the animals
were our brothers and sisters and that’s why we had to honour them and this
honour is something we have to consistently keep in mind. Honour the spirits of
everybody that walked here, men who came here and worked and died looking
after the animals. It is a wonderful place –the landscape of the human soul.” He
was one of these proud men. He honoured what he respected and committed his
life to cherishing moments with the spirits.
Dr Player’s efforts were brought close to home when he himself opened
Shamwari Game Reserve’s Dr Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre on Thursday,
June 7th
, 2012. The Centre helps raise awareness to the fight against poaching, a
devastating occurrence not only in South Africa but all around the world. Further
to this, it also overlaps with an explanation and expansion on the purpose of
rhino micro-chipping and DNA capturing led by veterinarian Dr Johan Joubert.
In the words of another remarkable leader, Nelson Mandela, “Man’s goodness is a
flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.” We will take this heartache as
a reminder for the remarkable feats one man can achieve with a dream.
Shamwari Conservation Experience and no doubt all of it’s volunteers will
continue his efforts for generations to come in the hopes for an even better
balance in the world.
We owe Dr. Ian Player our undying gratitude to the initial awareness of the
“prehistoric remnants of the dinosaur age”, the almighty rhinos, and the legacy
he leaves behind.