What stands nearly ten metres tall, weighs a ton, has the body of an Mbombe 6 armoured vehicle and is on a mission to raise awareness of Africa’s endangered wildlife? The answer can be found at the Rand Show 2015.
It’s Parabot, Africa’s largest superhero robot developed to showcase Africa’s defence technologies and raise awareness of the plight of Africa’s threatened wildlife populations.
Towering over the entrance of the Rand Show’s Science & Technology hall, and topped with its massive rhino horn, #Parabot is a big statement from Africa’s largest privately-owned defence and aerospace company, Paramount Group: that the defence industry can play a significant role in fighting poaching through the provision of technologies, equipment and training.
To develop and promote Parabot, Paramount Group has partnered with the Ichikowitz Family Foundation, a charitable foundation leading efforts to find new and innovative ways to support national parks in South Africa and other African countries in their fights against poaching.
“Parabot is a symbol of resistance, a symbol of the fight back, and a message to the criminal gangs who are behind the slaughter that we will not give up on Africa’s wildlife heritage,” says Eric Ichikowitz, marketing director of Paramount Group. “The defence industry is in a unique position to strengthen conservation efforts. We have technologies and equipment that are making a real difference.”
Over the last two years the Paramount Group has committed its resources to supporting conservation efforts through the provision of aerial platforms, combat training programmes for park rangers and more recently the establishment of South Africa’s largest K9 facility that trains detection and ranger dogs for anti-poaching patrols.
Paramount is activating a fund-raising drive as part of #Parabot’s presence at the Rand Show. Visitors can make a rhino pledge by adding their handprint to the Mbombe armoured vehicle at #Parabot’s feet, and stand a chance to win ‘The Ultimate Bush Ranger Experience’: an unforgettable day at Paramount’s Anti-Poaching and K9 Academy in Magaliesberg, including transport, breakfast and lunch.
Come and experience how Paramount trains the amazing dogs that catch poachers across the country. Watch the dogs detect rhino horn, track down poachers and even jump from helicopters.
All proceeds from the Rand Show rhino pledge will go towards fighting rhino poaching.
Visitors can also enter the Parabot Selfie competition, where the best selfie with Parabot will win an Apple iPad.
