Save the Rhino International

Remote camera traps in the Ujung Kulon National Park have captured images of a new Javan rhino calf! This exciting announcement by the Government of Indonesia gives us hope and shows that this Critically Endangered species continues to breed. Pictured alongside it’s mother, the calf was estimated to be around three to five months old in March, and both the calf and its mum appeared to be in good health.

Despite this positive discovery, the situation facing Javan rhinos remains critical. Recent news confirmed our worst fears: up to 10% of the Javan rhino population has been poached since 2019. With just 76 individuals estimated to be left, this devastating news highlights the urgent action required to protect each animal and secure a future for the species.

Read more about the latest calf and current challenges here.

In April, for the 32^nd year, our rhinos returned to charge the streets of London and we’d like to share our rhino-sized congratulations to the 2024 London Marathon herd!

Some highlights from this year include:

• Eight runners took on the challenge of running in our iconic rhino costumes

• The first ever rhino wheelchair completed the course! Martin Turner took on the challenge alongside support runners Sammie and Mark

• Our Ambassador, Rhino Boy Chris, completed his 100^th rhino costume marathon – an astounding achievement

• Kim Siano Snyder achieved a Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon dressed in a safari suit (female)

So far, our incredible team has raised £115,000 between them – and there is still time to donate towards their marathon achievement.

Read more about our 2024 London Marathon team and support their fundraising here.

In the heart of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province lies Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP), a wilderness home to vital populations of black and white rhinos. However, since early 2022, rhino poaching in HiP has escalated as they are ruthlessly targeted for their horns by organised criminal networks. Simultaneously, rising costs have put extra strain on HiP’s operational budgets, making it harder to pay for ordinary items that rangers – under more pressure now than ever - need day to day.

Thankfully, due to generous fundraisers and donors, we have provided funding to expand the HiP K9 Unit, a team of dedicated handlers and dogs working tirelessly to protect the Park’s rhinos. New recruits, Chief and Captain, are Independent Tracking Dogs, trained to pick up a scent from one place (such as the smell of a poaching suspect from the scene of a crime) and follow their trail as far as possible. Chief and Captain can follow a scent for miles, potentially catching up to a suspect to enable arrest before they leave the Park, or providing crucial intelligence about the routes being used.

To read more about HiP’s expanding K9 Unit, click here.