Support Mounted Rangers Fighting Rhino Poaching

Dear friends and supporters,

Protecting Wildlife on the Frontline
Your support continues to make a direct difference in protecting wildlife across KwaZulu-Natal. Through Project Rhino and our conservation partners, dedicated teams are working around the clock to combat poaching and respond to threats across multiple reserves. Our K9 Unit alone has completed over 1,600 training hours this year, patrolled thousands of kilometres on foot and by vehicle, and helped apprehend poachers and other criminals while removing illegal weapons from circulation. Teams continue to conduct emergency response operations, remove snares, assist with roadblocks, and provide conservation awareness demonstrations within surrounding communities.

Eyes in the Sky: Aerial Support Saving Wildlife
Aerial surveillance remains a critical conservation tool in helping teams cover vast landscapes and rapidly respond to incidents. Over the three-year period from 2023–2025, our aerial patrol support programme (ZAP-Wing) completed 1,464 patrol hours, helping locate 16 poached rhinos and enabling emergency intervention where possible. Encouragingly, two injured rhinos were successfully treated, while four orphaned calves were rescued and relocated to safety. Rapid aerial support improves situational awareness and strengthens our ability to protect wildlife before threats escalate.

Building the Next Generation of Conservation Champions
Conservation is not only about protecting wildlife today - it is also about investing in future generations. Through our Rhino Art and community outreach programmes, over the three-year period from 2023–2025, we reached 43,938 learners through environmental education initiatives and received more than 21,000 rhino art entries. A further 1,180 young people participated in wildlife camps, creating opportunities for hands-on learning and fostering a stronger connection with nature. Support also extended to early childhood development, with assistance provided to 11 crèches and the construction of one new facility.

The Work Continues Because of You
While there are encouraging signs of progress, conservation remains a long-term effort requiring continued commitment. Wildlife crime, habitat pressures, and the need for community support remain ongoing challenges. Every patrol, emergency response, educational activity, and rescue effort is made possible through donor support. Thank you for standing with us and helping protect South Africa’s wildlife and the communities that share these landscapes.