Watch a Rhino Ranger Guard 300 Rhinos Like They’re His Own Children

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We often hear about poachers. But we don’t often hear about the brave rhino rangers risking their lives daily to stop these killers. At Rockwood in South Africa, our rangers need funding to keep protecting our rhino family

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A ROCKWOOD RHINO RANGER IN SOUTH AFRICA

Passion for the job. Rockwood owner Wicus Diedericks says he believes one of the main reasons we haven’t had a poaching incident in the last five years is because of our very committed and dedicated wildlife rangers. Rockwood’s Ops Room Operator, Earl Duiker, agrees: “The guys, they devote their lives to doing this. Because this is not only a job. This has become a passion for us.” In return, Rockwood gives back to its rangers, encouraging a career path with plenty of opportunities for each worker.

Early wake-up calls and long days. It’s an early start for the rangers here at Rockwood who head to the stables at 4am to saddle up the horses and start their day of patrolling.

Vigilant patrolling. Our rangers have to keep their wits about them as they patrol and maintain the border defenses. They never know if a poacher might be hiding behind a bush. To help them, Rockwood has installed watchtowers, electric fencing, and more than 80 cameras.

Caring for the rhinos. As a Rockwood wildlife ranger, you not only protect the rhinos from poachers but also monitor the health and behavior of the rhinos. This includes ensuring they have enough food and water.

Becoming part of the Rockwood family. Even the rhinos are part of the family here. As our Security Supervisor Brian Jonas says, “If something goes wrong in the veld; a rhino doesn’t return to the boma, it’s an unsettling feeling. The rhinos are akin to our children. If one child doesn’t come back home, you don’t sleep well.”

Please help keep our rangers on their horses so we can keep protecting the rhino from extinction.