How Would You Explain That to the Rhino? A CEO’s Reckoning with Sentiment, Strategy, and Survival

We trim rhino horns to save them — then lock them away instead of utilising them for their survival.

How would you explain that… to the rhino?

Looking back on 3.5 years as honorary CEO and looking forward to real solutions for rhino survival. by Hanno Nusch - “Don’t use your army to fight a losing battle” let’s see who knows from which song this line comes. Here’s a hint: it was released the same year I was born. Yes, I’m an 80’s kid and so is this song.

But let’s talk about rhinos who’ve roamed the Earth for over 50 million years. They’ve proven their resilience time and time again. Yet today, they’re being sent into battles they cannot win because we keep trying to save them with emotions instead of economics.

We’ve built a whole narrative around the so-called “rhino war.” But here’s the uncomfortable truth: it’s a war with no winners except those profiting from this very narrative. Meanwhile, rhinos are losing. And they’re losing because we’re too afraid to question the system. Coming into the nonprofit sector without prior experience, I’ve found it eye-opening to navigate the dynamics of this space. It is far more competitive than I imagined, and while collaboration is vital, I’ve learned it only works when core values and goals truly align. Too often, I’ve seen nonprofits trapped in a mindset of maintaining problems rather than solving them avoiding uncomfortable truths, side-stepping scientific evidence, or silencing expert voices out of fear that it might alienate donors. Early in my tenure, I recall a board meeting where comments like “our donors wouldn’t like that” or “this would be hard to fundraise for” made me pause. It was a moment of clarity: followers can’t be leaders. If our beneficiaries are the rhino and the people who live alongside them and not the donors then we must act in the best interest of those beneficiaries, even when it's unpopular or inconvenient.

The road to hell, as they say, is paved with good intentions. More rangers, more cameras, more patrols these are vital tools, and we continue to value and invest in them. But by themselves, they are not enough. A system focused almost entirely on protectionism risks fostering a narrative that wildlife must be protected from people rather than by people, selling an illusion of safety that, when you consider the vastness of the landscapes involved, is simply not feasible in practice. And speaking of selling NGOs love their one-liners. “No one in the world needs a rhino horn but a rhino” I bet the hundreds of thousands of rhinos that died because someone “needed” their horn might beg to differ. Another one: “When the buying stops, the killing can too.” It’s catchy. It gets printed on tote bags. But what’s the action behind it?

There is none. Just blame. Just finger-pointing. Meanwhile, we continue to ignore the reality: we can’t change thousands of years of belief systems and demand-driven behavior in time to save a species and we fail to take meaningful action over the few things we do have control over: the rhinos themselves, their current (and potential future) custodians, the land they already inhabit, and the vast landscapes they could inhabit again. Instead, we spend millions reacting to symptoms, rather than fixing the system.

And here's my one-liner, because attention spans are short these days: Rhino are the biggest missed opportunity in large-scale wildlife conservation & restoration. They are one of the very few species that can pay not only for their own survival, but also for the survival of so many others. Yet we keep choosing sentiment over strategy, optics over outcomes, and short-term applause over long-term solutions.

A landmark study across 11 southern African reserves between 2017 and 2023 showed that of the $72 million spent on anti-poaching, only 1.2% was allocated to horn trimming. That small fraction led to the greatest impact, “achieving large (78%) and abrupt reductions in poaching.” At Rhino Revolution, we’ve funded horn trimmings for over a decade long before long-term, large-scale data like this was available and we will continue to do so because we believe in evidence-based conservation. Even when it’s controversial to some. Even when it’s hard to fundraise for. And when you’ve funded hundreds of these operations, at one point you ask the ultimate question: Imagine for a second you could talk to a rhino. How would you justify taking its horn and locking it in a vault to rot instead of using it for its own survival? I couldn’t. And I won’t.

Rhinos can survive. They can adapt to a world we humans changed around them. We must empower them to pay for their own survival in a world ruled by economics. That means turning an illegal product into a legal, ethical revenue stream one that benefits, not exploits, the rhino and the people who protect them. We’re not advocating for a future in which rhinos remain dehorned and under siege forever.

We’re working toward a world in which they can roam freely, as they were meant to horns intact. But to get there, we must adapt. Survival has always been about adaptation. And compromise, in this case, is not weakness. It’s strategy. This is the revolution rhinos truly need.

As the world is changed by your example, not your opinion, we are committed to leading it through models like our Ubuntu Project, which links rhino protection directly to rural community development, ethical revenue sharing, and long-term resilience. It’s time to move past the slogans. It’s time to get real. This is the fight worth leading. And the question is: Will it be a fight mainly against those who claim to “save” the rhino by paving the road to hell with good intentions?

The good news? We all seem to want the same thing: a future where rhinos roam wild and free as they used to. The challenge lies in agreeing on how to get there. In the meantime, let’s stop using our army to fight a losing battle and let's unite in building a strategy that actually wins.

Will Rhino Horns Grow Back? Understanding the Truth Behind Trimming and Poaching

One of the most common questions we hear in rhino conservation is: will rhino horns grow back? The answer is yes—rhino horns do grow back, just like human fingernails or hair, because they're made of keratin. But the story doesn't end there.

In the wild, the greatest threat to rhinos isn't natural predators—it’s poaching. Poachers target rhinos for their horns, which are highly valued on the black market. Tragically, when poachers take the horn, they often kill the rhino in the process, leaving behind devastation not only for the individual animal but also for entire rhino populations and their ecosystems.

To protect rhinos from this brutal fate, many conservation teams have turned to a controversial but effective strategy: trimming the horns. This process is done safely and humanely by highly qualified veterinarians. The rhino is sedated, and the horn is carefully trimmed above the growth plate, ensuring the animal feels no pain and is not harmed in any way.

Why do we trim the horn? Simply put, a rhino with a short horn is less of a target for poachers. By removing the incentive, we lower the risk of a rhino being attacked. Trimming is typically done every two years, as the horn continues to grow steadily.

And again, yes—rhino horns grow back. If poaching can be brought under control, a trimmed horn will fully grow back within five years. Even more impressively, by year eight, there will be no visible sign that the horn was ever trimmed at all.

Trimming isn’t a perfect or permanent solution, but it’s an essential part of a larger effort to keep rhinos alive long enough for long-term conservation strategies to work. It's a small compromise for a much greater reward: a future where rhinos can roam safely, with their iconic horns fully intact.

So the next time someone asks, "Will rhino horns grow back?"—you can answer confidently: Yes, they will. And with the right care and protection, so will rhino populations.

Measuring the Success of the Rehabilitated Rhino Bulls

Since the release of The Lucky 5 in 2017, we've witnessed our rhino cows mating and successfully birthing three calves. But how do we gauge the success of the bulls?

At Rhino Revolution, we believe that the true measure of a successful rehabilitation is when the animals we’ve nurtured not only survive post-release but also contribute to the long-term growth of the wildlife population. While we've clearly seen success with our cows, evaluating the progress of our bulls is more complex. Male rhinos face the dual challenges of establishing and defending territory while also competing for the attention of females.

Currently, we're closely observing our three rehabilitated bulls. As they reach sexual maturity, they've encountered an opportunity with the recent relocation of a dominant wild bull (moved to prevent inbreeding). This has slightly tilted the playing field, but the journey to dominance is far from straightforward.

One of the bulls, Ubuntu, has shown promise, standing his ground during confrontations in one of the territories. However, the other bulls are not giving up easily, continuing to challenge him for control of the area. Amidst these territorial battles, the bulls are also attempting to court the females, but they’ve faced several rejections. Even trying to reconnect with their offspring has proven difficult, especially for Nkonzo, the youngest bull, who has been repeatedly driven away in his attempts.

We're monitoring this unfolding drama closely, and in the coming months, we hope to see which bull emerges as the victor. Perhaps, within the next 16 months or so, we’ll even have news of new calves. Join us as we follow the exciting journey of The Lucky 5 bulls.

FIFTH KORU CAMP: EDUCATION AND CAMPING ADVENTURE

May 23-25, 2024, We had the pleasure of hosting our fifth Koru Camp Trip of the year. Twelve children from our educational initiative had the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Kruger National Park. This three-day trip provided the fifth grade children with an experience they will never forget.

The children were accompanied by our Kids Ambassador Max Hiller from Germany. Max reported on the work of Rhino Revolution in a child-friendly way and helped the children learn more about the "Big Five" - ​​elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. In addition, team-building measures and leadership games promoted the children's personal skills.

During the camp, the children were provided with three healthy and balanced meals a day. The morning and evening safaris were a particular highlight. The children had the opportunity to observe elephants, hyenas, kudus, impalas, warthogs, crocodiles, waterbucks, giraffes and zebras in their natural habitat and learn a lot about their behavior.

Another highlight was the visit from Tanja Goossens. Tanja has not only collected money and book donations for the camp, but also plans to set up a small library in the camp. Thanks to her efforts, the children of Rhino Revolution will soon be able to benefit from this new educational resource. Tanja read to the children from one of the wildlife children's books and accompanied us on the safaris, which enriched the experience for the children even more.

Thanks to our supporters

Special thanks go to Rewe Ettner , who covered the entire cost of the three-day children's camp. Thanks to their generous donation, Rhino Revolution was able to offer the children an unforgettable experience.

Our fifth Koru Camp trip was a great success. The children not only learned a lot about the wildlife and their environment, but also developed valuable skills for their personal growth. This camp is a significant step in our mission to teach young people about the beauty and importance of nature and to turn them into active environmental stewards of the future.

We look forward to many more successful camps and would like to thank everyone who made this trip possible.

Royal Canin Food Donation

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Royal Canin South Africa for their generous donation in support of our esteemed K9 team. Their contribution, comprising several bags of premium-quality food, ensures the well-being and sustenance of our invaluable anti-poaching K9, Vulcan, throughout the remainder of the year.

The significance of this donation cannot be overstated, as it directly translates to the continued effectiveness and efficiency of our anti-poaching efforts. With Vulcan nourished and content, we are reassured of the steadfast protection afforded to our endangered rhinoceros population.

The partnership with Royal Canin South Africa exemplifies the profound impact that collaboration between organizations can achieve in safeguarding our natural heritage. Their commitment to our cause reflects a shared dedication to conservation and underscores the power of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.

Once again, we express our deepest appreciation to Royal Canin South Africa for their invaluable support, which plays an instrumental role in our ongoing mission to preserve and protect wildlife for generations to come.

Educational Kruger trip with local kids

On May 3, 2024, we had the privilege of taking seven children from our educational initiative to an unforgettable day trip to Kruger National Park at Ndabeni Higher Primary School. For these seven children, it was the first time they had the opportunity to experience Africa's wild animals up close. We at Rhino Revolution firmly believe that the connection between rural communities and their natural heritage is crucial. Because only when one knows and loves something will they advocate for it and protect it as adults.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Jakes from All or Nothing Adventures, who not only provided us with his knowledge and experience but also his open safari vehicle for the day. Through his generous support, our children had an unparalleled experience that they will remember forever.

During our safari, the children not only learned to observe the animals but also learned a lot about their significance for our ecosystem. A visit to the museum rounded off the educational program, where the children playfully learned about the important roles that animals play in their environment.

Of course, the well-being of our little adventurers was also taken care of. A sustainable breakfast of oatmeal, fruit, and yogurt, as well as fresh fruit and a cup of tea, was served. Lunch was prepared together, with rice, chicken, beans, and plenty of vegetables.

This sustainable educational initiative for our children would not have been possible without the generous financial support of our donors. A special thanks goes to Franziska from Wonde Cosmetics, who covered all the costs for this day trip. On behalf of our organizations and on behalf of the children, we would like to thank her from the bottom of our hearts.

This day trip was not only an adventure in Kruger National Park but also an important step towards inspiring and empowering the next generation of conservationists. We at Rhino Revolution are proud to have been part of this life-changing experience and look forward to many more adventures with our children.

Meet Lethabo (Masingita's 2nd calf)

We are delighted to announce the long awaited name of Masingita’s calf born in early February this year .

She is called Lethabo from a Tswana word meaning Happiness or Joy , much of which she has already brought to the Rhino Revolution team, donors and supporters!

Lethabo is already revealing a fun-loving personality - with one of her most memorable encounters involving chasing a hippo back into a dam !

With Masingita once again proving to be a calm and devoted mother, it is clear that Lethabo feels safe and invincible in her wild world and we will do everything in our power to keep it that way!

Stay with us to follow her journey!

Black rhinos, solitary animals?

The African savannahs, with its grasslands and majestic wildlife, have long captivated our imaginations. Among the iconic inhabitants of this vast landscape, the black rhino stands as a symbol of resilience and mystery. These enigmatic creatures, often portrayed as solitary wanderers, have recently revealed surprising facets of their social behavior. Are they truly destined to walk alone, or do they harbor secret social lives?

For years, we’ve been told that black rhinos are loners, emerging from their solitary existence only for mating or when nurturing a calf under three years old. In contrast to their white rhino counterparts have been observed forming social bonds, even exhibiting crashes—a term used to describe their close-knit interactions. But how accurate is this narrative?

In the age of social media, advanced technology, and heightened wildlife observation, our understanding of animal behavior is evolving. Professional guides leading safari tours now share intriguing anecdotes: black rhinos forming unexpected alliances, calves lingering longer than expected, and glimpses of social dynamics that defy convention.

Picture this: a group of black rhinos, their massive forms silhouetted against the African sunset, grazing together. It’s a scene that challenges the traditional perception of these solitary giants. Camera traps, strategically placed to capture candid moments, have unveiled a different side of black rhino behavior—one that occurs when they’re not on edge, aware of human presence.

So, how sociable are black rhinos really? The answer lies in the delicate balance between their innate tendencies and external pressures. While adult females occasionally share overlapping ranges, bulls remain steadfastly solitary. Yet, intriguingly, mothers and their calves exhibit a bond that defies the stereotype of aloofness.

The question that needs to be explored is whether the poaching crisis is affecting their behavior, or if we have been oversimplifying their social structure for longer than that. Due to their lifestyle, they will inevitably spend more time in thickets and areas where it is less easy to observe them. It makes sense that the territorial bulls would have been the individuals more likely to be observed regularly. Could it be that observations of the bulls’ behavior were prematurely assumed to apply to the species as a whole?

As conservation efforts intensify, we remain hopeful. Perhaps, in the not-so-distant future, we’ll unravel the intricacies of black rhino social lives. Until then, we watch, learn, and marvel at these magnificent creatures—destined, it seems, to walk a path both solitary and communal.

Stay tuned for more revelations from the heart of the African wilderness. 

Empower through education: 3rd Kuru expedition

From March 21st to 23rd, 2024, the third Koru Camp of our educational initiative took place in the hart of the bushveld - a time that was not only significant for the children but also for us as an organization. For the first time, thanks to the generous support of our donors, we were able to grant access to the Koru Camp to 12 children, two more than before. This group consisted of 6 boys and 6 girls from the 5th grade of Ndabeni Higher Primary School.

During the 4 safaris, the children had the opportunity to experience numerous animals up close, including lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, antelopes, crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of birds of prey. For more than half of the children, it was their first time going on safari and seeing the animals, which live just a few kilometres from their community, in the wild.

Rhino Revolution advocates for connecting children early with their natural heritage. Due to educational deficiencies, mobility restrictions, and poverty, these children would not be able to learn about their environment and its inhabitants and experience them up close without proper educational intervention.

In addition to the safaris, our educators taught about the Big 5 (elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion, leopard). The curriculum aims not only to impart knowledge but especially to teach important life skills. In the small group of only 12 children, each child has the opportunity to improve their personal English skills in reading, writing, and speaking, and to work on their teamwork skills.

We also integrate meaningful team games between the lessons, aiming to help the children better understand the importance of good communication, attentive listening, and perseverance. These games not only promote the social skills of the children but also help them apply the concepts learned in practical situations.

Rhino Revolution is committed to promoting education for sustainable development. We believe that imparting knowledge about environmental issues and fostering environmental awareness and responsibility are crucial to creating a sustainable future. Through our programs, we aim to empower children to become active citizens who advocate for the protection of their environment and bring about positive changes in their communities.

We are grateful that the Koru Camp was made possible through the financial support of Rewe Ettner. Only through such crucial donations can we address a transformative educational initiative.

Relocation of Rhino Bull #34

On March 15, 2024, Rhino Revolution carried out a big operation, we have successfully translocated a mature white rhinoceros. This rhinoceros, a male specimen, has played an important role in the breeding project over the past years.

In the territory of the rhino, there are now several young females, offspring of the mentioned rhino, which will soon reach sexual maturity. To prevent any possible inbreeding, the translocation of this rhino bull was essential. The translocation went smoothly, however, we will greatly miss the rhino, known as #34, which has lived in this reserve since birth and has now reached an age of approximately 13-14 years.

#34 was the dominant bull in its territory. Through its translocation, the young bulls raised by us in the orphanage now have the opportunity to take over its territory and mate with the females, thereby keeping the gene pool healthy.

We would like to express our gratitude to our generous guest who each contributed R5000.00 to cover the costs. Furthermore, we would like to thank all the individuals involved such as veterinarians and pilots, whom have all played big roles in making it a smooth project.

Special thanks also go to Painteddog.tv for the live broadcast of the translocation, which enabled a wider audience to follow this significant step in species conservation.

The successful translocation of this rhino is a significant step in the efforts to protect and preserve endangered species. Rhino Revolution remains committed to advocating for the preservation of rhino populations and conserving these valuable animals for future generations.

Our first Koru camp for 2024

Our first Koru Camp 2024 was a complete success! From the 15th to 17th February 2024, we invited ten children from our educational initiative from the community to a three-day camping adventure in Great Kruger region. The aim of this special camp was not only to give the children access to the fascinating wildlife of Africa, but also to offer sustainable education in the eco classroom.

In 2024, a total of 100 children in ten camps will have the opportunity to take part in this unique educational programme. The focus is on promoting education for sustainable development, in which children learn not only about the beauty of nature, but also how to use it responsibly.

The challenges of our first camp were primarily characterized by the intense heat. At almost 40 degrees Celsius, the Rhino Revolution team made sure that the children had enough to drink and were in the shade. Activities were cleverly scheduled early and late in the day to avoid the hot midday sun.

What did the children learn in these three days? Anne Nusch, who visited us from Germany and works as an education coordinator, developed a special teaching concept for the Koru Camps 2024 together with Andreas Nusch CEO of Rhino Revolution Europe. The unique environment in the middle of the Kruger National Park was ideal for teaching the children the "Big 5" (elephant , rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard).

At the camp, the children not only had the opportunity to deepen their reading skills in English, but also to summarize the knowledge they had read in a “buddy book”. As an organization, it is important to us to teach children transferrable skills, especially how to handle knowledge and the ability to filter information.

The children were able to express their creativity through crafting activities. This time the task was to complete the face of one of the "Big 5" and show it in its natural environment. The children were able to work with different pens and natural materials such as leaves and grasses.

The small group enabled the children to develop freely in their environment. Through various activities, teamwork was strengthened and it became clear how important focus, team spirit and listening are in order to achieve common goals.

Our mission at Rhino Revolution is to not only protect endangered rhinos, but also to promote sustainable education. Koru Camp is a step in this direction and we look forward to supporting even more children in their development in the coming camps.

A big thank you to our generous donors from Germany! Koru Camp is our most sustainable educational activity for the children of South Africa and without your great support this would not have been financially possible. We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts because your donations helped us provide 10 children with an unforgettable and educational adventure in the Kruger National Park.

In total, Rhino Revolution Europe has provided €1070 for the realization of the first Koru Camp, which includes part of the transport costs, staff costs, accommodation costs, food costs, educational materials and much more. These costs for the first camp were generously covered by the following donors:

Volksbank BraWo (€500)

Steffen Wörner (€300)

Karim Yahiaoui (€98.15)

Rewe Ettner (150€)

Natascha Zacherle (€21.85)

Saving a rhino bull that ensnared himself

On Monday, February 12, 2024, Rhino Revolution received disturbing news that one of our rhinos was spotted with a noose around its neck. Our team immediately set out to check the situation. The affected rhino was #34, one of the dominate bulls.

Upon arrival, the situation was confirmed: the rhino had a several-meter-long  thick steel wire around its head that got tangled while running. The animal was spotted without a snare just the day before. It was obvious that the rhino could not free itself from the snare. A rescue team was immediately put together.

Due to the darkness, the rescue operation could not be carried out until the following day. We accompanied the rhino as long as possible to make the search easier.

A helicopter, a veterinarian and our ground team were needed for the rescue operation. Early on the morning of February 13, our team and Rhino Revolution Europe set out to locate the rhino. Thanks to the helicopter, the rhino was quickly located, and the vet successfully used the sedative.

The ground team removed the snare in less than 10 minutes, and Rhino #34 awoke quickly after receiving the antidote. Fortunately, the rhino did not suffer any injuries from the snare and we are relieved that we were notified of the incident in a timely manner.

A big thank you goes to our financial supporters from Germany, especially Vanessa, Patricia, Anni and Natascha, who responded to our appeal for donations. We would also like to thank Painteddog.tv, who accompanied the campaign and broadcast it live on YouTube, as well as for their financial support.

Another thank you goes to Gerry, the helicopter pilot, Piet, the veterinarian, and the entire ground team for their dedicated cooperation. The actual costs of the rescue operation will be determined and communicated transparently in the next few days.

Masingita's Second Calf

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Masingita's second calf, marking another significant milestone in our efforts to reintroduce rhinos to the wild. Witnessing the birth of Lesedi brought us immense joy, confirming that the rehabilitation process for the Lucky 5 has been successful. Chipoko and Mwezi paved the way, and now, with Masingita's new addition, we are pushing our boundaries to not only reintegrate rhinos but to actively contribute to the growth of the wild population.

Lesedi, the first calf, has begun her journey of independence as she is temporarily been pushed away by her mother. While this separation typically lasts a few weeks, rhino is unique and has their own timeline. Lesedi has found comfort in the company of Nkonzo, who has become her supportive big brother. Although there are moments when she ventures off alone, we've noticed a positive trend, and she is gradually spending more time with Nkonzo. To ensure her well-being, we will keep a close eye on her during this crucial period.

Reflecting on the past year, we are pleased to share that the wild rhino population has experienced its first increase in 12 years. This achievement is a beacon of hope after facing a severe rhino poaching crisis. While South Africa has unfortunately lost more rhinos than gained, we remain optimistic that, with the addition of our new calf and the collective efforts of all involved, we will witness a more substantial improvement in the wild rhino population across South Africa in the near future. Together, we can continue to safeguard this iconic species for generations to come.

Camera trap in conservation

Camera traps in conservation are among my favorite tools to use in the bush. They provide a deeper understanding of the activities unfolding in the wilderness, revealing hidden aspects that might have otherwise been missed.

My primary use for these camera traps is monitoring rhinos. They enable me to closely observe these magnificent creatures, ensuring their well-being and safety, without affecting their behaviour in any way. They also serve as a crucial tool in spotting potential threats, such as poachers, lurking in the bush.

One of the remarkable moments captured by these camera traps occurred in 2023 when a black rhino cow gave birth to a calf without anyone knowledge. The breakthrough came when a helicopter, that was part of a separate operation that we were running, spotted them from the air. After repositioning the cameras to the area where they had been seen, we successfully captured footage of the calf. Remarkably, we were even able to determine its gender as a bull at just four months old. Thanks to the camera traps, we could monitor the young one with minimal stress to both the mother and the calf, and the first in person sighting of the calf only occurred when he was 9 months old. Using camera traps gave us an additional 5 months of data about the calf and protection that we could offer.

Beyond rhinos, these camera traps have helped us to discover other elusive species moving around the area, including leopards, brown hyenas, and the more elusive pangolins—creatures that often go unnoticed by traditional observation methods.

I always set my camera traps to record video for two crucial reasons. First, it allows us to capture more details than a photo could, providing a comprehensive view of the wildlife. More importantly, it offers insights into wild behaviours that are not typically witnessed by observers in the field. When humans, conservationists, or scientists are present, animals tend to be on guard, even if they appear relaxed. Camera traps unveil a more natural state of behaviour when no one is around, offering a deeper understanding of their true nature. For instance, we’ve observed interactions between white and black rhinos that wouldn't have been possible with direct human presence.

As camera quality continues to improve, providing clearer footage, we are excited about the prospect of discovering even more about the intricate lives of wildlife in the future.

Stay tuned to see more as we share our camera trap highlights over the coming months

UBUNTU PROJECT - HORNTRIMMING & RELOCATION

On November 14, 2023, Rhino Revolution, in collaboration with its sister organization Rhino Revolution Europe, celebrated a momentous achievement that underscores the power of collective action in wildlife conservation. Together, we orchestrated the successful trimming and relocation of five white rhinos to a secure reserve, marking a significant step towards safeguarding these majestic creatures from the looming threat of poaching.

This monumental undertaking was made possible through the unwavering support of compassionate individuals, with a special mention to the Wendenburg family, whose generous donation of €4,913.65, alongside contributions from other dedicated supporters, directly fuelled the relocation effort. These funds serve as a beacon of hope for the rhinos, ensuring their safety in their new habitat for the next 18-24 months.

Rhino Revolution extends its deepest gratitude to all who rallied behind the cause during the fundraising campaign. Your involvement not only opened your hearts and wallets but also actively contributed to the protection of white rhinos. A heartfelt thank you is extended to those who played a crucial role in the rhinos' journey - from the meticulous horn trimming to the seamless relocation process.

This success story serves as a testament to the pivotal role community engagement plays in wildlife conservation. The collaborative efforts of the dedicated veterinarian, skilled helicopter pilot, professional relocation company, and the numerous volunteers exemplify the impact that can be achieved when individuals and organizations unite for a common cause.

In essence, the triumph of this initiative goes beyond the mere relocation of five endangered rhinos; it signifies a paradigm shift in our approach to conservation. By actively engaging communities and translating concern into tangible, on-the-ground actions, we prove that sustainable contributions to the protection of endangered species are within our grasp. Rhino Revolution invites everyone to take inspiration from this achievement and join hands in building a future where the world's wildlife not only survives but thrives.

SANTA SHOEBOX PROJECT

We are proud to have participated in the Santa Shoebox Project. We offered Seeds of Light NPO the use of our new office space to facilitate the preparation of gift boxes, and by lending a helping hand in this process. These boxes are thoughtfully curated to include essential sanitizing products, clothing, and something enjoyable for the children. They are slated for distribution to underprivileged children towards the end of November.

While we take immense pleasure in contributing to this noble cause, we also aspire to involve the students from Ndabeni Higher Primary School in our efforts. By doing so, we hope to extend the joy of receiving a gift to these children as well.

RED WINE RHINO AUCTION BY CAROLINE KAPPERS FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Between the majestic Table Mountain and the gentle waves of the ocean, high above the rooftops of Camps Bay, Andreas Nusch, the CEO of Rhino Revolution Europe, participated in an art exhibition by Caroline Kappers. This talented artist from Stellenbosch is distinguished not only by her exceptional art but also by her passionate commitment to wildlife conservation.

Caroline Kappers is known for her unconventional approach to art. She paints with red wine, creating unique artworks that engage the senses. However, she goes a step further by using her art for charitable purposes. She organizes auctions to raise donations for wildlife conservation and make a positive impact on the world.

On November 1, 2023, Andreas Nusch from our sister organization Rhino Revolution Europe, had the honour of representing Rhino Revolution, at Caroline's art exhibition. He had the opportunity to see the beautiful paintings for himself and speak about the important work of Rhino Revolution in South Africa before the start of the auction.

A very special painting was the highlight of this unique event – a red wine painting depicting a black rhinoceros. Caroline Kappers had photographed the rhino during one of her safaris and captured the impressive strength and beauty of this animal in her artwork. The composition and expression of the painting give it a unique appeal.

What made this exhibition even more special was not just the art itself but the purpose for which it was organized. The entire proceeds from the auction will be donated to Rhino Revolution South Africa. This generous gesture not only underscores Caroline's personal commitment to wildlife conservation but also her support for our mission.

Encounters and collaborations like these remind us that the protection of wildlife and our natural environment is a shared responsibility. Rhino Revolution tirelessly works to protect endangered rhinos and their habitat. With the generous support of people like Caroline Kappers, we can advance our mission and make a difference in the world.

Pit Track showcasing us their k9 dogs

We were fortunate to have Pit-Track demonstrate their highly-trained K9 dogs in action.

Pit-Track is an esteemed K9 anti-poaching company that operates throughout South Africa, dedicated to safeguarding wildlife in various parks and collaborating with authorities to prevent and apprehend wildlife smugglers.

They showcased their dogs' remarkable ability to detect illegal contraband concealed within bags, and also demonstrated how these dogs are instrumental in apprehending suspects. Additionally, they highlighted how the dogs provide essential protection to the rangers when suspects attempt to resist arrest.

Rhino Revolution extends its heartfelt appreciation to Pit-Track, not only for their informative presentation but also for their courageous commitment to risking their lives to protect our magnificent wildlife.

Lesedi's 2nd birthday

We take great pride in announcing that Lesedi has reached the milestone of her second year of life. Lesedi, the offspring of Masingitta, one of the Lucky 5, holds a special place in our conservation efforts.

Lesedi's birth represents a significant achievement, as she is the first rhino to be born from a fully rewilded rhino. This remarkable accomplishment underscores our commitment to not only preserving but also enhancing the wild rhino population. As she continues to thrive, her health and well-being remain robust. Notably, there have been occasions where she displayed remarkable courage, even defending herself against lion encounters.

Our commitment to monitoring Lesedi's progress remains steadfast, and we maintain a hopeful outlook for the emergence of more future generations of rewilded rhinos.

Defending the caveman - Fundraiser

Our fundraiser was a resounding success, and we owe our sincere gratitude to Monika for her impeccable organization and to Craig Jackson for his exceptional comedic talent in producing laughter.

The comedic performance of "Defending the Caveman," skillfully delivered by Craig, resonated tremendously with our audience. Furthermore, we were delighted to have the pleasure of enjoying delicious cuisine within the splendid setting graciously provided by Francine's Venue.

We successfully raised a substantial amount of funds, which will be dedicated to supporting our ongoing initiatives in community education and the preservation of rhinos.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who was involved with making last weekend's Fundraiser such a success! Events like these and the support that we receive through them makes our work possible and we couldn't be more grateful to everyone who got involved and to the Hoedspruit community for helping us to save rhinos!

A huge thank-you is owed to everyone of our sponsors and donors and of course to everyone to attended and made the event so much fun.

In particular thank-you to: 

Julies McInnes, Hoedspruit Optometrists , Buya-Buya Travel and Tours, Scallywags Puppy School and Dog Training, The Brewery, Pick n Pay Hoedspruit, Searching for Spots, Spar Hoedspruit, Sleepers Restaurant and Pub, Rhino Revolution Europe, Africology, GlenWood Vineyards, Kuku Interiors, Salon Monique, CVW Endless Beauty, Bahati Aesthetics, Yum Yum Factory, and of course the wonderful Francine's Venue.