The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) is hitting back at rhino poaching! WWF has partnered with powerful South African creative team Flint Sky Interactive to build Rhino Raid \u2013 an interactive computer game aimed at raising awareness and funding for the beloved rhino\u2019s plight. And Craft cycling apparel will be supporting the cause at this year\u2019s Absa Cape Epic.<\/p>\n
The attack on the rhino population has reached unprecedented levels. In 2012 a staggering 668 rhino were killed in South Africa, an increase of 49% on the previous year. In 2013 this disturbing poaching trend continues\u2026<\/p>\n
The size of the threat to rhinos requires some out-of-the-box thinking. Enter Rad, the central character in the Rhino Raid game. Rad takes up the fight against poachers in game play that takes him on an epic journey, chasing down poachers in an attempt to save his species.<\/p>\n
The global launch of Rhino Raid coincides with the 10th staging of the Absa Cape Epic in March 2013. To commemorate the launch, Absa Cape Epic apparel sponsor Craft, will be producing a limited quantity of \u2018Rad-ical\u2019 Rhino Raid cycling jerseys. \u201cWe are deeply concerned about the plight of endangered species, and the opportunity to take a stand against rhino poaching with such a passionate and innovative team is one we could not pass up,\u201d says Nic Lamond of Craft South Africa.<\/p>\n
\u201cRhino Raid is a unique all-South African solution addressing a very serious South African problem\u201d, says Athol Moult, Flint Sky\u2019s Creative Director and originator of the concept. \u201cLeading local talents in design, game development, illustration and digital communication have got behind the project.\u201d<\/p>\n
When approached about the project, four-time winner of the Absa Cape Epic and Craft athlete, Karl Platt said simply, \u201cLet\u2019s do this!\u201d The German may reside in the Northern Hemisphere but Africa and the plight of its endangered animals remains close to his heart. He spends many months of the year training and racing in the South Africa. Platt is one of just nine riders to have completed all nine Cape Epics to date.<\/p>\n
Defending Absa Cape Epic Mixed Pairs champions and married couple Erik and Ariane Kleinhans were also proud to be associated with the innovative project. Ariane was thrilled to put her face to Rhino Raid, \u201cI am really excited about supporting this project. WWF is a great cause, and I can\u2019t wait to play the game!\u201d<\/p>\n
Rhino Raid will be available for download to iPhone and iPad via Apple\u2019s iTunes App store from March 2013 and for Android thereafter. The game will be a \u201cfreemium\u201d format with the first two levels free and thereafter the subsequent level will be purchasable, with royalties accruing to WWF in support of rhino conservation. For updates on the release visit: www.facebook.com\/PlayRhinoRaid<\/a><\/p>\n