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Suzuki Australia has joined the fight to save two iconic creatures – the
Black Rhinoceros and the Tasmanian Devil – from potential extinction.
A donation from every new Grand Vitara and Jimny SUV sold by Suzuki Australia
will go to special breeding and protection programs for both species.
The Black Rhino program is based in Tanzania, where legendary conservationist
Tony Fitzjohn has established a wildlife reserve dedicated to preserving and
breeding the dwindling black rhino population.
The Black Rhino horn has proved an almost irresistible lure for poachers,
resulting in a catastrophic decline in the rhino population from 65,000 animals
in 1970 to just over 2500 a few years ago.
The Tasmanian Devil breeding program is being conducted by Healesville
Sanctuary, home to 12 Tasmanian Devils which are part of the insurance
population sent to mainland Australia to help ensure the survival of this
species from Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD).
Healesville Sanctuary is one of four mainland zoos now caring for 47
Tasmanian Devils as founders of a captive insurance population. This population
could prove an essential source of animals for wild reintroduction, should the
catastrophic decline of the species as a result of DFTD continue.
“We are proud to provide this high level of support to help out two iconic
species,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.
“The Black Rhino and the Tasmanian Devil are renowned as tough creatures,
making a link with the legendary tough Grand Vitara SUV an obvious one.”
Devers said Suzuki would supply the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation
Trust with financial support and Zoos Victoria with financial support plus the
use of two uniquely branded Grand Vitara SUVs.
“The Grand Vitaras will be decked out with amazing animal images. Healesville
Sanctuary’s will have Tasmanian Devil imagery, and Werribee’s vehicle will
display images of the White Rhinoceros, close relations of the Black Rhinoceros
that need our help. Both vehicles will provide highly visible reminders of the
plight of both creatures.
Devers said the ad advertised links to two websites created by Suzuki
Australia – savetherhino.com.au and savetassiedevil.com.au – which would provide
people with further information about the conservation campaigns.
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