Shining a Light on Rhino Poaching: ‘The Last Ranger’ Film Screening at Chautauqua Institution

David Lee and Mike Veale recently presented on rhino poaching and conservation solutions using “The Last Ranger” short film at the Chautauqua Institution. The event took place at 9:15 p.m. Sunday in Smith Wilkes Hall, hosted by the Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative.

“The Last Ranger,” a 28-minute film written by David Lee, tells the story of a young girl and her father caught in the rhino poaching crisis in South Africa. Inspired by Lee’s personal experiences and the real-life story of Thandi, a rhino who survived a brutal poaching attempt, the film highlights the urgency of addressing rhino poaching.

Filmed on location in South Africa, the production partnered with anti-poaching organizations, including Global Conservation Force, to ensure authenticity. The film has won multiple awards and is being considered for the 2025 Academy Awards.

Participants had the chance to watch the film and join the discussion, learning more about the devastating impact of rhino poaching and what can be done to combat it.

Read the full story and learn more about “The Last Ranger” showing and presentation here.

Learn more about the “The Last Ranger” film The Last Ranger Film