A Cause to Save the Rhino

Rhinos have been around for 40-million years and other than it being another living creature with just as much right to share this planet as we have, the rhino’s life is directly related to many other animal (and human) lives.

Rhinos are an ‘umbrella’ species, shaping the environment in a way that helps to sustain it and all the other animals that call it home. Just as one example, by browsing shrubs and small trees, rhinos keep them pruned and short enough for a great number of other herbivores to access.

Beyond this, wildlife and nature conservation lead to ecotourism, which is an important source of income for local communities. At our Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, we are committed to both and fortunate enough to have a flourishing rhino population and tourism attraction.

In 2006, our reserve was awarded custodianship of four black rhino – one of the rarest and most critically-endangered species in the world – and designated a rhino intensive protection zone. With both monitoring and breeding programmes in place, this project has become a resounding success that surpassed the expectations of even conservation experts.

Funds raised from this experience go towards their continued protection, while income from our extended hospitality operations helps to support local communities. 

After a talk by your highly knowledgeable field guide, you’ll set off in the late afternoon when the rhinos are most often found resting in the shade or cooling down at the watering holes. It’s an incredible opportunity to get up close to and appreciate them in their own habitat, seeing them behave and interact unimpacted by human interference, as nature intended.

Children 12 years and older may join this experience, which makes for an unforgettable family adventure.

Words by: Jade Crocket

Photos by: Ingrid Nemorin