A critically endangered species, the biggest threat to rhinos is poaching; an act that has killed over two thirds of the rhino population in the Kruger Park in South Africa. Today, there are less than 500 black rhinos remaining in Kruger Park.
You’ll also enjoy:
The Hublot Big Bang Unico Full Baguette King Gold Rainbow Is Poetic In Its Beauty
Hublot Big Bang Berluti Cold Brown Fuses Heritage Style With Technical Prowess
Rolex Drops A Slew Of New Watches For 2021
While poaching had been on a slow but steady decline until 2020, the closure of the South African border in late March 2020 gave rise to new issues, with a shortage of rangers and lack of visitors allowing poachers to move and hunt undetected through the area. The interruption of a key source of national revenue further served to highlight the extent that wildlife protection relies on private financial donors, as well as collaborative efforts between local, international, public, and private stakeholders.
Swiss luxury watch company Hubot has renewed and reinforced its ties with animal conservation initiative SORAI – Save Our Rhino Africa India – and founder Kevin Pietersen. The release of a new iteration of the Big Bang SORAI marks the partnership renewal, with a purchase of the limited-edition timepiece allowing owners to support the cause. A portion of profits from the Big Bang SORAI will be donated to Care for Wild, the largest rhino sanctuary in the world.
“According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), international, national and local partners must work together to resolve the biodiversity crisis,” said Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, on the alignment. “It is our duty to amplify the voices of those who work on the ground to protect endangered species, particularly the African rhino which is in critical danger of extinction. Hublot is truly delighted and proud to support Kevin Pietersen and SORAI in this movement which is so crucial for the future.”
Kevin Pietersen, founder of SORAI, reiterates the importance of working together to tackle the biodiversity crisis, stating “on the ground, every day is a battle, a race against time by the teams of dedicated specialists who rescue, rehabilitate, and release these rhinos back into the wild. We don’t want to lose one of the Big Five, not for us but for our children’s children.
“We therefore need to put our common efforts to protect this species! I am very happy that Hublot is once again able to provide its support to SORAI, to help raise maximum awareness of this global emergency.”
The Big Bang Unico SORAI II will be released in a limited-edition run of 100 pieces, fitted with the UNICO manufacture movement. Inspired by the colours of the bush in summer, the Big Bang Unico SORAI II utilises two shades of green, with the ceramic casing and rubber or camo velcro strap blending harmoniously. The special edition release features its own unique engraving, located on the back of the sapphire crystal glass.
Words by John Deckard
