Having the opportunity of being in the African bush with a wildlife vet team as they darted a rhino, I observed the collaborative hands-on conservation work involved which was truly an amazing and humbling experience. From darting the rhino, to taking blood and DNA samples, to notching the ear for identification purposes, and microchipping the horn, I can say it was an opportunity I will never forget, and one that I hope to have again!

Being this close to a 2,500 lb. Black Rhino was truly breathtaking, in fact, it’s so special, almost spiritual. We see their great power and strength, yet the rhino remains fragile and vulnerable. Black rhinos are still considered critically endangered with between 5,366-5,627 left in the world.

Poaching and black-market trafficking of rhino horn continue to plague the species and threaten its recovery. Being in the African bush, you see just how much it takes for the anti-poaching units, vet teams, and NGOs to protect these beautiful animals. So much work is needed to bring the numbers up to even a fraction of what it once was and to ensure that it stays there.

Amazing work from wildlife veterinarian Emily Baxter, Angus Sholto-Douglas, and the rest of the Kwandwe team.

Thank you, Nico Jacobs, from Rhino 911, for giving me this extraordinary experience.