Strengthening Rangers, K9s, and Rhinos – See the Impact!

This World Rhino Day, supporters from across the globe came together to fuel frontline conservation. With the 2025 Rhino Conservation Challenge officially closed and all donations tallied, we are excited to share the impact YOU made possible.

Together, we raised an incredible $9,776 for rhino conservation initiatives worldwide. Every donor, team, participant, and supporting business brought real strength to the fight for wildlife.

 

Challenge Highlights

  • The SOSA came in early with $3,600 before the official competition launch. Those funds went straight into our Annual K9 First Aid Course in South Africa, delivered with Ikhala Veterinary Hospital.

    • This year, 27 K9 handlers, working with 40+ conservation dogs across rhino reserves, received specialized training and fully equipped K9 medic kits.

    • Total course cost: $4,700 – fully covered thanks to SOSA and GCF donor support.

  • Winning Team: Hye Meadow Winery (USA), led by GCF Team Member Tim Camerano, raised an outstanding $5,263. Huge congratulations for their incredible commitment and awareness-building events!

Partner Spotlight: Elephant Cooperation 🐘

 

During the Rhino Conservation Challenge period, we also received a powerful boost from our partners at Elephant Cooperation. Their generous grant covered the full cost of Strengthening Ranger and K9 Teams through an advanced training course in South Africa.

 

From August 1–8, 19 rangers advanced their skills during an intensive K9 Field Training and Integrated Operations Course, taught by expert instructors Mike Veale (GCF), Wesley Visscher (Scent Imprint Conservation Dogs), and Mario Haspels (Wildlife Protection Solutions).

These rangers support 25 operational K9s currently deployed across South Africa, where they:

  • Serve on game reserves

  • Respond to specialist investigations

  • Work in airports to combat wildlife trafficking

This training, sponsored by GCF and made possible by Elephant Cooperation, ensures that ranger-K9 units remain highly trained, effective, and ready to protect endangered wildlife.

Where the Rhino Conservation Challenge Funds Are Going Next

 

  • Wildlife Education in Southeast Asia – Printing and distribution of GCF-created conservation booklets, guides, and a storybook in Thailand, Myanmar (refugee camps along the border), Indonesia, and Vietnam. Reaching ~2,000 children and young adults through a “teach-the-teacher” model.
  • Namibia Ranger Sponsorship – Full support for a 24-person ranger team in Namibia, including protective equipment and advanced training rotations to safeguard rhino and pangolin habitats.
  • Advanced Field Ranger Training – South Africa – In 2026, GCF Medic Chris Laursen will lead sponsored advanced training circuits in South Africa, reaching 12 anti-poaching units across 15 reserves and reaction zones with Tactical Emergency Casualty Care courses and IFAKs.
  • Operational Trainings – Indonesia – Led by GCF President Mike Veale, delivering operational training for rangers, nonprofits, and community partners across Leuser Ecosystem (Northern Sumatra), Way Kambas National Park (Sumatra), Jakarta Airport, and Sulawesi Ports, targeting illegal wildlife trade and poaching.
  • Rhino Orphan Care – South Africa – Continued partnership with the Zululand Rhino Orphanage (South Africa)to support the care of the newest rescued rhino calf. 

Extra Thanks 

 

We also want to recognize everyone who placed Buy One, Give One orders for the GCF tracker-hydration packs and those who sponsored wishlist items through our Amazon and direct giving programs.

 

Thanks to the generosity of longtime donors and supporters, we’ve been able to stockpile these critical supplies. Any excess gear will be delivered into the field starting in 2026, directly supporting rangers on patrol.

 

From ranger and K9 training in South Africa, to wildlife education in Southeast Asia, to anti-trafficking operations in Indonesia, your support is creating measurable impact. Together, we are protecting rhinos and strengthening the rangers and communities who stand on the frontlines.

 

Thank you for standing with us – for rhinos, for rangers, and for the future of wildlife.

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