Partnership with The Zululand Conservation Trust

The partnership between Global Conservation Force (GCF) and The Zululand Conservation Trust, emerged following the tragic attack on Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage—one of the most violent poaching-related attacks in recent history. Within 24 hours, GCF deployed a specialized team to stabilize the Thula Thula reserve, helping to safeguard the remaining rhino orphans and support the care staff. This swift intervention assisted the facility in managing its closure, preparing the rhino orphans for relocation, and ensuring their secure transfer to what is now the Zululand Rhino Orphanage under the Zululand Conservation Trust. For three months after the attack, GCF maintained a covert team onsite at Thula Thula, providing round-the-clock protection for rhinos and staff during the transition.

Support and Training Initiatives at The Zululand Rhino Orphanage

When Zululand Rhino Orphanage was founded, the protocols for rhino orphan care in Africa were still developing. GCF stepped in to support these early efforts by sharing expertise in fundamental care skills, such as bottle-feeding, milk formulation, weight monitoring, and basic veterinary procedures. The team has also acquired specialized veterinary equipment to support the rhino orphan intensive care unit.
As the partnership evolved, GCF expanded its role to support operational efficiency and staff development. This included introducing the “Choice and Control” training for animal husbandry, which allowed the rhino orphans to engage in training that benefited the needs of their care and that of the care staff, fostering their preparation for eventual release. These contributions enhanced the orphanage’s capacity to provide high-quality, compassionate care.

Security and Ranger Training Support

When Alongside care initiatives, GCF supported security infrastructure at Zululand Rhino Orphanage by training rangers in critical skills needed to protect the facility and respond to poaching threats. Training sessions covered self-defense, Krav Maga, suspect control, first aid, and emergency response, while GCF provided essential gear and non-lethal equipment. 

Establishing the K9 Unit at Manyoni Game Reserve

Anticipating changing poaching threats around Kruger National Park, GCF and its partners established Manyoni Game Reserve’s first in-house K9 anti-poaching unit. This unit was designed to strengthen the reserve’s security, protect wildlife, and assist neighboring reserves in need of such resources. In 2021, K9 Thor joined the team as its first member, followed by K9 Rolo, enhancing capabilities for tactical tracking, suspect apprehension, and conflict management. GCF provided and sponsored multiple trainings for the ranger handlers, integrating the K9 unit into regular patrols, significantly enhancing the reserve’s anti-poaching efforts.

Pioneering K9 Training for Live Pangolin Tracking and Pangolin Conservation

GCF pioneered conservation efforts by sponsoring a K9 to track live pangolins, trained by our partners at Scent Imprint Conservation Dogs, a critical skill to support Manyoni Game Reserve’s pangolin conservation and protection efforts. K9 Thor became a dual-purpose K9 for both security and pangolin monitoring in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Thor’s role highlights the potential of K9s in species-specific conservation, positioning Manyoni Game Reserve as a key player in pangolin conservation through tracking support and monitoring.

Media Outreach and Awareness

To amplify awareness of conservation efforts and partnerships with Zululand Conservation Trust and Manyoni Game Reserve, GCF collaborated with international media outlets. Notable coverage included:
  • An episode on Brave Wilderness featuring host Coyote Peterson, showcasing the care and rehabilitation efforts at Zululand Rhino Orphanage.
  • The NBC National Special The Extinction Crisis (USA), which aired on Super Bowl Sunday, highlighting the urgent conservation challenges and the impactful work of the Zululand Rhino Orphanage.
  • A private documentary series filmed by a Dutch crew that focused on the journey of K9 Thor at Manyoni Game Reserve, chronicling his story from inception to his role in anti-poaching and pangolin conservation.

Zululand Rhino Orphanage - Saving Baby Rhinos Campaign

The Zululand Rhino Orphanage provides a safe and nurturing environment for rhino calves who have tragically lost their mothers to poaching. Each orphaned rhino’s journey, from rescue to re-wilding, is possible through dedicated care, around-the-clock protection, and community support.
Key Facts:
  • Duration of Care: Every rescued rhino calf spends approximately 2-3 years at the orphanage receiving essential care and rehabilitation until they are ready for reintroduction to the wild.
  • Daily, Weekly, and Annual Costs:
  • Daily Care Cost: $55 per day to cover specialized food, milk, veterinary supplies, and safe shelter.
  • Weekly Care Cost: Approximately $385 per orphaned rhino.
  • Annual Care Cost: $20,000 to maintain the comprehensive care and security each rhino requires.
  • Total Cost per Orphan: From rescue to release, each orphaned rhino’s care costs roughly $60,000, which includes daily upkeep, medical treatment, rehabilitation efforts, and re-wilding preparation.
Dedicated Care and Protection:
  • Experienced Care Staff: A devoted team provides full-time care, tending to the rhinos’ rearing, well-being, and medical needs every day.
  • Veterinarian on Call: A specialized veterinarian is on call to address any urgent or complex medical needs that arise.
  • Comprehensive Protection: To ensure security for the rhino calves, the orphanage maintains strong anti-poaching protection, covering both the area and direct safeguarding of the facility. This is especially crucial during the release phase, where rhinos are closely monitored in the wild and supported by a dedicated anti-poaching unit.
Direct Sponsorship with “Saving Baby Rhinos”: Global Conservation Force (GCF) has established the “Saving Baby Rhinos” donor program to allow GCF donors to directly support the care of these young rhinos. By joining this initiative, you help secure a future for these calves, supporting them through each stage of their journey—from rescue to reintegration into the wild.
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