Conservation at Kariega Game Reserve Changing Lives

16Oct

#kariegafoundation #kariegagamereserve #conservationthroughcommunity #regenerativetourism #conservation #rhinoconservation #helpingrhinos #ECODA

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Conservation at Kariega Game Reserve Changing Lives

“It’s surely our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on Earth.” – Sir David Attenborough

These words echo through our work at the Kariega Foundation, where conservation is not only about protecting wildlife, but also about transforming lives and empowering communities. The evolution of our Save The Rhino project is a powerful example of the philosophy of ‘conservation through community’ in action.

White Rhino’s were first introduced onto Kariega Game Reserve in 2001. In 2007 a further three rhino were added to the crash. One female was named, Umakhulu, meaning “the great one”. Little did we know that rhino conservation would become the heart of what we do and that “The Great One” would challenge us to harness our innate greatness to save her species from extinction.

Colin And His Crash

By 2009, South Africa was facing a horrific rhino poaching crisis. Rhino were being brutally murdered for their horns, and it became clear that traditional conservation methods were no longer enough. A new, multi-layered and community driven approach was needed to protect this iconic species.

The Kariega Foundation have focused intentionally on building a multi-layered approach to rhino protection which includes advanced technology camera and drone surveillance; a professional and well-resourced Anti-Poaching and K9 Unit with 95% of the team from local, neighbouring communities and a broad-based dehorning programme with a dedicated network of partners and donors make all this possible.

Special thanks to Helping Rhinos, Global Conservation Force, Dancing for Rhino, PARCA, Hikvision and Wildlife Protection Solutions. Together we ensure the safety of this endangered species.

Rhino Poaching Statsitics

Together we can achieve the impossible

The last rhinos poached at Kariega Game Reserve were in 2012. Among them was Thandi, meaning “one who is deeply loved” and this could not be truer for any other rhino on Kariega. She miraculously survived thanks to a dedicated Kariega team and an exceptional group of veterinaries, led by the world-renowned Dr William Fowlds.

Dr Fowlds And Team Saving Thandi

This event launched our Anti-Poaching Unit, with Thandi as our beacon of hope. Since then, we have not lost a single rhino. Thandi has also been the driving force for many to protect her and her rhino family. While saving one rhino, she gave birth to five more and became the grandmother of another five in a span of thirteen years. This serves as a testimony of why every rhino life matters. Click here to see Thandi’s story.

Thandi And Zolani Img Taken By Brendon Jennings

The start of a dream

When our initial Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) was established, the field rangers were from outside the region. While dedicated, they were security focused, rather than conservation minded, and the turnover of staff was high. We had come to the realisation that our reserve is surrounded by local communities, who know the area and if given the opportunity would serve as passionate protectors of this species and offer a sustainable solution to building a stable team. This sparked the Community Based Field Ranger (CBFR) Programme which is part of the Kariega Foundations Community Based Skills Development Programme. We knew that our community had to be part of our Anti-Poaching Unit. This seemed like a distant dream, where many stepping stones needed to be in place for this to become a reality.

Ecoda Ranger Training

Community upliftment

In 2021 despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a glimmer of hope. Global Conservation Force launched the first training session for anti-poaching cadets, including two from our local communities. These cadets excelled and joined our APU. This was a giant step in the right direction. To strengthen our efforts, we knew more was needed and in the following few years, partnerships, collaboration, fundraising and strategies were put in place to improve and ensure further community development.

Kariega Foundation Apu Skills Development

In 2025 a milestone was reached through a partnership with the Eastern Cape Occupational Development Academy (ECODA), where 10 cadets from all over the Eastern Cape were sponsored by Helping Rhinos to complete an Eco Ranger, NQF level 2 course. Since 2021, 60 cadets from various communities have successfully graduated and now serve as wildlife protectors on various Eastern Cape Game Reserves, including Kariega.

Ecoda Cadets

Today, 95% of the Kariega Foundation APU comprises of local community members, which is a monumental achievement considering where we began. These rangers play a vital role in wildlife protection, conservation law enforcement, and environmental monitoring, serving as the eyes, ears, and heart of conservation in their communities.

Apu Protecting Rhino

Beacon of Light

Our rangers are our heroes and have become role models in their communities. Their work goes far beyond the boundaries of the reserve. They educate the youth showing them that they can be part of a better future, rooted in respect for nature. Rangers inspire our youth during presentations, fostering a love for wildlife and the habitats they live in. Click here to see our environmental kids running for rhino.

Rhino Conservation Environmental Education

The K9 unit shares in this success, exhibiting their crucial role in our fight against poaching.

K9 Meeting Rhino

Giving communities wings

For many individuals from under-resourced communities, the potential growth and professional development, seems out of reach. For two of our rangers, they have recently achieved their wings. Dancing for Rhino generously sponsored their Drone Pilots License Course, providing them with the skills to be the eyes in the sky and be an additional form of security. By having eyes in the sky, our rhinos are kept safer, potentially poachers can be identified, tracked and caught.

Rhino With Calf

“My mission is to help save our wildlife. My dream is that one day I won’t have to.”

Symbols Of Protection And Pride

Be Part of The Change

If you would like to be part of the movement towards a better future for our communities and wildlife, visit www.kariegafoundation.com to read more about our ongoing projects or to donate now and change a life.

Donations At Work

Conservation at Kariega Game Reserve Changing Lives