Protecting Rhinos for Future Generations
420
rhinos poached in South Africa in 2024
22 540
rhinos remaining across Africa
12 824
rhinos have been poached in Africa since 2006
our Mission
Our mission is to grow rhino populations through conservation for the future. Our aim is to develop a proactive and reactive network to protect the rhinos on the reserve.
Shelanti Game Reserve uses its own resources to protect and grow the rhino population, thereby strengthening the species’ genetic diversity. The reserve must protect and grow the rhino population and transfer custodianship to the next generation of rhino conservationists.
On the Shelanti Game Reserve, we have witnessed our share of dead rhinos butchered for their horns. We experienced the anger and sadness of witnessing the lifeless bodies of adults and rhino calves slaughtered, and the bodies left in our beloved bushveld. We have encountered a wounded rhino that could not be saved and had to go through the heartbreaking experience of ending its life as humanely as possible.
Organised crime remains a significant threat to rhinos in the country. Rhino poaching is not merely the work of opportunistic criminals; it is part of a complex web of illicit networks that span national and continental borders. The people involved undertake different forms of illegal activities, from tracking and killing rhinos in protected areas to smuggling their horns and sourcing global buyers. Disrupting these intricate networks requires multifaceted approaches and international partnerships.
“We have witnessed our share of dead rhinos butchered for their horns. Adults and calves, slaughtered and left in our beloved bushveld.”
The poaching crisis
Poaching is not an opportunistic crime; it is a transnational organised network spanning trackers, smugglers, and global buyers. Disrupting it requires rangers, technology, breeding programmes, and community partnerships.
White Rhino with calf
White Rino calf being taken to rehabilitation centre after mother was killed by poachers
Helping White Rhino calf to drink milk while treating mother for gunshot wounds
A four-man armed unit costs
R50 000+ /month
and can only cover a fraction of the reserve’s area
Area covered with 1 team
22% of reserve perimeter
352
rhinos poached in South Africa in 2025
Be part of the solution!
what your donation funds
A tracker dog and handler team on the reserve for rapid response to attacks or fence breaches.
A well-trained tactical covert APU team.
Vehicles to patrol perimeter fences and ensure quick reaction time.
Thermal, night vision, radios, and equipment for APU team.
Software and individual tracking devices on trackers and dogs doing follow up un incidents or perimeter breaches
Research and applying tracking/satellite devices on animals.
A website and online cameras to give sponsors access to rhinos, behaviour, and events.
Buy in black and white rhino females
Veterinarian costs for treatment and rehabilitation of wounded animals.
Installing of LPR camaras on main access roads linked to ops room on main access roads
