I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our 'Protect the Strongholds' campaign following the tragic poaching of two rhinos at Kariega Game Reserve at the end of September. I am so incredibly proud of the Helping Rhinos community and how you come together in times of need. It was inspiring to read your many comments expressing sympathy for both the rhinos who lost their lives and also for the teams of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly every day to protect these amazing animals. I know you share my belief that we cannot let these vile acts of brutality undo the incredible achievements of the last 14 years. With you by our side, we will continue to do all we can to keep our rhinos safe and roaming freely in Rhino Strongholds. Thank you.
Protecting the progress. Securing the future.
Protect the Strongholds began in response to a devastating loss at Kariega Game Reserve. It was also a reminder of just how much has been achieved through years of dedication, collaboration and commitment to rhino conservation.
While the appeal has now closed, the work to protect these Strongholds continues.
Across South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Helping Rhinos and our conservation partners are working to strengthen protection, respond to evolving poaching threats and safeguard the progress already made.
From rapid response and aerial surveillance to new technology and stronger collaboration between conservation teams, protecting rhinos requires a sustained, coordinated effort.
The people on the ground remain at the heart of this work. Their commitment does not stop when an appeal ends, and neither does ours.
You can support our ongoing efforts.
Protecting Rhino Strongholds is a long term commitment. Regular monthly donations or stronghold sponsorship provide vital, dependable support, helping us to plan ahead, adapt to emerging threats, and continue protecting rhinos and the landscapes they depend on.
By becoming a monthly supporter, you can help defend the progress already made and build a safer future for rhinos.
Make a Donation
We are truly grateful for every gift we receive – THANK YOU.
By choosing a monthly donation, you will have a greater impact, helping to protect rhino in their natural habitat.
To donate in USD or EURO, please visit our DONATE page.
Fourteen years of progress
Kariega is where the story of Helping Rhinos began.
Fourteen years ago, after a horrific poaching attack, we stood beside Thandi – a rhino who survived against extraordinary odds.
What happened at Kariega helped shape everything that followed.
Since then, conservation teams, communities, landowners, donors and partners have worked together to make these landscapes safer for rhinos.
Rhinos have survived and bred. Thandi is a great grandmother and her legacy thrives.
Habitat has been protected.
Communities have invested in conservation.
Strongholds have been built.
The killing of this mother and calf does not erase that progress.
But it shows how fiercely that progress must now be defended.
The threat has changed
Criminal networks adapt. Their methods change. Their intelligence changes. The risks they are willing to take change.
Protection must evolve too.
That means identifying threats earlier, sharing intelligence faster and making sure the right resources can be deployed when and where they are needed.
Waiting until after another loss is not an option.
With Your Support We Have Been Able To Strengthen
Rapid response
Strengthen the capacity to act quickly, treat injury and deploy essential units for translocation.
Aerial capability
Supporting aircraft hours where they can improve surveillance, deployment and response.
Adaptive technology
Testing and deploying technology that can help teams detect and respond to changing threats.
Collaboration across Strongholds
Helping partners share intelligence, experience and resources so that a threat identified in one landscape can strengthen protection across others.
The exact response must be led by the people operating on the ground.
Together we will provide the resources and flexibility to act.
Fund designation
Protect the Strongholds ran from 2 October to 14 October 2026 as a restricted fundraising appeal supporting Helping Rhinos’ Strongholds programme across Kariega, CLI and ARCC.
Funds raised through this appeal will be used to strengthen rhino protection according to immediate Stronghold needs
