Support Mounted Rangers Fighting Rhino Poaching

Dear friends and supporters

Thanks to your ongoing support, Project Rhino has been able to respond swiftly and effectively to the continued threat of wildlife crime - both on the ground and from the air.

Rhino Poaching Update
South Africa continues to face an unrelenting threat from rhino poaching, with 103 rhinos killed in the first three months of 2025 - an average of over 34 per month. SANParks reserves and KwaZulu-Natal were among the hardest hit. Despite this, there have been encouraging developments, including 15 arrests linked to poaching crimes during the same period.

36 Months of Impact
Over the past three years, Project Rhino’s K9 Unit and partners have made meaningful progress in combating wildlife crime. The K9 team has removed 3,374 snares, responded to 269 emergency callouts, and helped apprehend 50 criminals. They’ve also recovered illegal firearms, stolen vehicles, rhino horn, and millions of rands’ worth of counterfeit goods and narcotics. These efforts extend beyond wildlife protection, also contributing to broader community safety and security.

ZAP-Wing and Aerial Support
Our aerial unit, the Zululand Anti-Poaching Airwing (ZAP-Wing), flew over 1,460 hours in the past 36 months, supporting the detection of poaching activity, rescuing rhino calves, and responding to emergencies. We’re beyond grateful to welcome a new aircraft to the fleet - generously sponsored by The Brady Hunter Foundation! This vital addition enhances our capacity to fly further, faster, and more frequently, giving our rangers a powerful tool in protecting endangered wildlife across vast landscapes.

Looking Ahead and Thank You
We are strengthening our joint training programmes and preparing for major fundraising events, including the Oceans 8 Charity Swim in June, the Run for Rangers in July, and the Ball for Conservation in September.

To our GlobalGiving supporters: thank you. Your ongoing support fuels our efforts on the ground and in the skies. Together, we are making a real and lasting difference for rhinos and all who protect them.