Save the Rhino International

20/08/2026

For decades, conservation efforts in Kenya have focused on helping black rhinos recover. The results speak for themselves. More rhinos are surviving, breeding and raising calves.

As these young rhinos mature, they naturally leave their mothers and begin looking for territories of their own. This is an important part of a healthy population, but it also means suitable habitat is needed for future generations.

It is a challenge that comes from conservation success rather than failure, and one that is shaping the next chapter of rhino recovery in Kenya.

19/08/2026

When people think about rhino conservation, they often think about loss. But Kenya’s black rhinos tell a story of recovery.

In the 1970s, around 20,000 black rhinos lived across Kenya. By 1989, fewer than 400 remained following years of poaching and habitat loss.

Since then, conservationists, the Kenya Wildlife Service, private and community conservancies, local communities and partners have worked together to protect and recover Kenya’s black rhino population.

Today, more than 1,000 black rhinos live in Kenya. But as the population continues to grow, a new challenge is emerging: where will Kenya’s rhinos go?

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be exploring this challenge and the work underway to secure space for Kenya’s growing black rhino population.

17/08/2026

We’re delighted to celebrate John Gitonga, Administrator of the Association of Private and Community Land Rhino Sanctuaries, who successfully graduated with a Master of Science (MSc) in Data Science and Analytics (MSc DSA) from Strathmore University in Nairobi on Friday 14th August 2026! 🎉

John has been Administrator of APLRS since May 2019. Based at the Kenya Wildlife Service’s HQ in Nairobi, he works alongside the Kenyan National Rhino Coordinator to support the successful delivery of Kenya’s rhino conservation strategy, coordinating the public, private, community and municipal sectors.

John’s MSc journey was inspired by a major project to clean rhino-sighting data from all Kenyan rhino sites going back 10 years. The project, and the redevelopment of the database were funded by the Bently Foundation.

While continuing his role as APLRS Administrator, John took on his MSc in Data Science and Analytics, with support from the McClintock Family Charitable Fund, which awarded a grant of US $12,000. This enabled Save the Rhino International to fund John’s tuition fees and data collection expenses!

Well done, John! 🎓🦏

17/08/2026

Someone’s gotta hold it down in the mud bath 🛁🦏

Image Courtesy of the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry
 

12/08/2026

Glittery poo? There's a reason for it ✨💩

At Monarto Safari Park in Australia, southern white rhinos are being given edible glitter to help keepers monitor their reproductive cycles.

Different coloured glitter is fed to individual rhinos, making it easier for keepers to identify their dung when the animals use communal dung piles, known as middens.

The samples can then be tested for hormones, providing valuable information about fertility and pregnancy. In some cases, faecal testing can even provide earlier clues of pregnancy than blood tests.

This information can help the team understand when rhinos are most likely to breed successfully, an important part of supporting the long-term conservation of the species.

So, while glitter might seem like an unusual addition to a rhino's diet, there's some fascinating science behind those sparkles ✨

📸 Keeper Haidee

11/08/2026

It's always chic to care about rhinos 🦏

10/08/2026

Less than one month from now, this start line will be buzzing with anticipation 🇰🇪
 
In just four weeks, an incredible group of runners will take on the 2026 ForRangers Ultra, pushing themselves across the Kenyan wilderness to raise funds for rhinos and the rangers who protect them.
 
The countdown is officially on. Follow the journey with us |
 
📸 Cameron Wright

         runner trailrunning

05/08/2026

The best things come in pairs 🦏🌿
 
📸 Gerad Lacz
 
 

04/08/2026

03/08/2026

When you hear the word “ranger”, what comes to mind?
 
For many people, it’s anti-poaching patrols. But the reality of a ranger’s job is far more complex.
 
Following World Ranger Day, our CEO, Dr Jo Shaw, reflects on what rangers would most want the world to understand about their work. From the challenges rangers face on the ground to why the way we talk about their work matters.
 
Swipe through to discover what it really means to be a ranger, and why recognising their work shouldn’t end with just one day 🦏