Mobil oil keeps Rhino Trust vehicles in the field to keep poachers out
For anybody who thought Mobil completely departed southern Africa when Pegasus fell off the Engen logo to comply with US sanctions legislation against South Africa, their continued presence came as a surprise.
This week, using the Erongo Expo in Walvis Bay as background setting, Exxon Mobil’s local oil distributor, Lubrication Specialists, donated a year’s supply of lubricants to the Save the Rhino Trust whose vehicles often have to endure the most gruelling travel over uncharted terrain when protecting Namibia’s valuable black rhino and elephant populations in the Erongo Region.
Garth Glen-Spyron and Jimmy Shanjengange presented the very substantial donation to the trust at the latter’s exhibition stand at the Erongo Expo.
The Rhino Trust Chief Executive, Simson Uri-Khob said they appreciate all the help they can get in the fight against rhino poaching. Despite the horrific news reports of late, Uri-Khob said the number of rhino deaths at the hands of poachers have dropped significantly.
Glen-Spyron of Lubrication Specialists explained that they have given careful consideration as to the type and grade of lubricants to use in the Rhino Trust’s hard-working vehicles especially in rough terrain and harsh weather conditions.
“We did careful research to ensure that we provide the Rhino Trust with the correct and best-suited lubricants for their vehicles and the environment. We opted for the Mobil Super 3000 and Mobil MX 15W40 products that are well-suited for extreme heat, engines with high mileage and to improve fuel economy,” said Glen-Spyron.
Providing an update on anti-poaching success, Uri-Khob said “Two years ago we had 95 cases of rhinos being killed for their horns. Last year this figure dropped to about 60 and this year to date we’ve had 27 rhino poaching incidents. This dramatic decrease in poaching has been due to the support from the private sector in supplying vehicles, donations and other equipment to improve our monitoring efforts.”
“Another important factor has been the amazing support from the local communities and farmers, especially in the Erongo region. They have played a major role in alerting us of possible poachers in the area and in some cases even scaring off these criminals,” he said.
“We have some 2,000 rhinos left in Namibia and 96% of the world’s black Rhino population. We need to protect them at all costs, otherwise we will only have pictures to show our children one day. More community and private sector involvement as well as the laws for stiffer penalties and prison sentences are steps in the right direction” according to Uri-Khob.
“This donation goes a long way in our conservation efforts. Thank you Lubrication Specialist and Exxon Mobil; this gesture is greatly appreciated!” he said.
“We are delighted to have contributed in this small way to help fight the poaching of rhinos. Lubrication Specialists and Exxon Mobil are committed to the environment hence this donation and the drive to promote the use of cleaner synthetic lubricants over mineral oils,” Glen-Spyron concluded.
Pictured are Garth Glen-Spyron and Jimmy Shanjengange (left and right) with the Chief Executive of the Save the Rhino Trust, Simson Uri-Khob receiving the first of many Mobil oil cans for the lubrication of the trust’s field vehicles.
