Today, I want to share a truly heartbreaking fact: 95% of all rhinos have been wiped out by humans.
There are only around 27,000 rhinos left in the wild. If we allow the slaughter to continue, these majestic animals could vanish in our lifetime.
Rhino horn has long been in high demand across Asia, prized for its supposed medicinal qualities – none of which have ever been proven by science – and as a twisted status symbol.
To extract a rhino’s horn, poachers will brutally kill the animal, often in front of its infant – mother rhinos are particularly vulnerable as they will not leave their helpless calves alone, making them easy, slow-moving targets. Sometimes, horns are viciously hacked off while the animal lies dying in agony.
Credit: Cat Reed Photography
South Africa’s anti-poaching teams are on the frontline of the fight to save these precious creatures.
With so few rhinos left alive, here’s how YOU can help.
We are working with a small private reserve in the North West province of South Africa, which is safeguarding a number of critically endangered rhinos; for safety reasons, we cannot tell you where it is or how many rhinos live there.
The team has a multi-faceted approach to providing 24-hour monitoring and protection for their rhinos, including a highly-trained Rhino Protection K9 Unit.
Expanding this Rhino Protection K9 Unit is critical to protecting vulnerable rhino populations. Credit: Cat Reed Photography
Last year, the team introduced eight new K9s to improve coverage of its vast reserve, especially at night when the risk of poaching is greatest and when the dogs’ keen sense of smell is a crucial asset.
The K9 unit is dispatched solely for tracking scents – a critical skill in anti-poaching efforts – and each dog works closely with its handler. The wellbeing, safety and protection of the dogs is a top priority for the team.
We know that measures like this are working. Poaching declined 16% in South Africa in 2024, due in large part to the efforts of anti-poaching teams – but if we are to save the species, we must do more.
To care for these dogs properly, they need premium nutrition, vaccinations, parasite treatment and shelter.
But after being forced to use almost all their emergency funds to feed and water their animals during a devastating drought – and with no help from the government – our partner is now struggling to cover these critical costs.
If we can raise $5,400 (£4,050), we can support eight canines for an entire year, providing critical shelter, nutrition and care.
This elite rhino protection K9 unit is essential in the fight against poaching – and it works. But without funding by wildlife warriors like you it cannot survive.
Your donation will care for teams dedicated to protecting rhinos. Their protection is crucial to safeguard the future of this majestic species.
Credit: Jacaranda FM
Thanks to the dogs’ agility and exceptional sense of smell, they can track poachers over vast distances, sniff out contraband items, and gather crucial intelligence for convictions, making the K9 unit a vital tool in preventing wildlife crime and prosecuting criminals.
Please, donate today, and help us protect our iconic rhinos from disappearing forever.
