The cost of Rhino Conservation - and why it is worth it
With the rising threat of poaching, Rhino Conservation is more important than ever. However, the financial burden of keeping and protecting Rhinos makes private ownership less attractive or in many cases simply unaffordable.
Until two years ago, Rhino Ridge was home to a family of White Rhinos – one of the two species living in Southern Africa, alongside the Black Rhino. They enjoyed strolling around the waterhole and taking mud baths; a special sighting for everyone nearby.
Namibia has the second-largest population of White Rhinos in Africa, estimated at around 1,000 individuals. It is also home to the largest Black Rhino population in the world, with over 2,000 individuals. This population represents more than a third of Africa's total black rhinos, which are classified as critically endangered. However, the threat of poaching has been severe in Namibia and neighboring countries. Rhinos are illegally hunted for their horns, which are sold mainly on the Asian market for horrendous sums.
Having Rhinos is incredibly enriching for farmers and those who get to observe them. However, it comes with a high price: to keep the animals safe, farmers need to invest in security measures, such as deploying anti-poaching units to patrol the area. This is accompanied by veterinary costs and, during droughts like the one Namibia is currently facing, significant feeding costs. The economic burden of protecting these animals can be substantial. For example, costs related to security and care can run into thousands of dollars annually (see infographic below).
Ultimately, the escalating threat of poaching compelled us to transfer the Rhino family to a safer environment. Having lived closely with these magnificent animals, witnessing their births and nurturing of calves, this decision was challenging. While they remain wild creatures, their presence has a profound impact on those who care for them – especially when considering how vulnerable humans have made them.
At Rhino Ridge, we firmly believe that we should make Rhino Conservation a priority and invest our time and financial resources into it. Rhinos are invaluable as they are considered keystone species, meaning their presence significantly influences the structure of their ecosystems. Their grazing habits help maintain the balance of vegetation, preventing overgrowth that can lead to habitat degradation for other species. By protecting them, we also safeguard numerous other species that share their habitat.
Furthermore, Rhinos hold cultural significance for many indigenous communities. In San cosmology, for instance, rhinos are often associated with rain and fertility. The White Rhino, in particular, is linked to "she-rain," which symbolizes nurturing and life-giving qualities. And maybe most importantly, isn’t it our moral obligation to protect this vulnerable species from human-made threats?
You can’t possibly measure a rhino’s value in mere numbers. Yet, the cost of keeping and protecting them is often too great to bear for game farmers. In 2025, we want to put all our efforts into bringing rhinos back to Rhino Ridge. Join us on our “Bring back our Rhinos”-journey. We will take you with us through this blog and our social media channel.
