Another 499 Rhinos lost to poachers in 2023
The Urgent Cry of the Wild: Battling for the Survival of Endangered African Wildlife
In the heart of Africa, a silent war rages on — a war against time, greed, and ignorance, as some of the planet’s most iconic creatures face the imminent threat of extinction. The recent release by The South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) of 2023’s official poaching statistics casts a stark light on the grim reality faced by endangered African wildlife, with the Rhino poaching crisis serving as a harrowing emblem of a broader conservation emergency. At Saving The Survivors, we are dedicated to reversing this tide, focusing our efforts on the protection, rescue and rehabilitation of these magnificent animals.
African Wildlife Conservation: A Beacon of Hope
The Plight of the Rhino: A Case Study in Urgency
The official DFFE figures for 2023 have revealed a disturbing increase in Rhino poaching, with South Africa losing 499 Rhinos to this brutal crime, over 10% more than were lost in 2022. This surge underscores the relentless threat these creatures face, primarily for their horns, highly valued on the Black Market for its supposed medicinal properties and the demand for status symbols such as jewellery made from Rhino Horn. Despite significant strides in anti-poaching efforts, killings continue to devastate Rhino populations, particularly targeting the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal province whose incidents were over 60% of the total national loss. South Africa’s precious Rhinos, comprising of only around 2,000 critically endangered Black Rhinos and roughly 13,000 near-threatened Southern White Rhinos, represent a vital part of the whole of the African continent’s biodiversity. Yet, their survival hangs in the balance, threatened by this resurgence in poaching activities. This grim reality underscores the vital importance of our work across Africa and the need for a concerted global effort to halt this quickening march toward extinction.
Supporting Private Rhino Custodians: A Strategic Approach
At Saving The Survivors, we recognise the pivotal role of private Rhino custodians in the fight against poaching. These stewards of wildlife, who receive no Government support and largely rely on funds from tourism and charity, act as the first line of defence for many of Africa’s endangered species. Even though the majority of the remaining Rhino population are being cared for on private property, these strongholds saw less than 20% of 2023’s fatal poaching incidents, testament to the great work and effective efforts being done on Private property. With your support and donations we are able to provide our services to Private Wildlife Caretakers, extending across our emergency and clinical work, orphan rescue and care, nutritional assistance, and anti-poaching and fundraising initiatives. By bolstering the capacities of these custodians, we aim to create strongholds of safety and rehabilitation for Rhinos and other endangered species across the continent.
How to Donate to African Wildlife Conservation
Amplify Impact: Your Contribution Matters
Every donation to Saving The Survivors fuels our mission to combat poaching, treat and rehabilitate injured animals, and secure a future where African wildlife can thrive in their natural habitats. Your support enables us to extend our reach, enhance our capabilities, and, most importantly, save more lives. Whether it’s through financial contributions, raising awareness, or advocating for policy changes, every effort counts in the quest to protect these irreplaceable treasures of our world.
Support Wildlife Rehabilitation in Africa: Join Our Cause
The Road to Recovery: Rescue and Rehabilitation Efforts
Our wildlife rescue and rehabilitation projects are at the core of our mission, offering a lifeline to animals affected by poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. These initiatives not only aim to heal physical wounds but also to reintroduce animals into secure environments where they can flourish, contributing to the genetic diversity and ecological balance of their ecosystems. You can read more about all our initiatives and recent news in our Bush Journals.
The Power of Collective Action: How You Can Help
Engaging in African endangered species rescue projects and supporting wildlife rehabilitation in Africa are profound ways to contribute to the preservation of our planet’s biodiversity. By joining forces with Saving The Survivors, you become part of a passionate community committed to making a tangible difference. Here’s how you can help:
- Donate: Every contribution, no matter the size, supports our critical work on the ground.
- Educate: Spread the word about the challenges faced by endangered African wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts.
- Advocate: Lobby for stronger policies and regulations that protect wildlife and their habitats.
In the face of daunting challenges, hope remains resilient. Together, we can combat the forces threatening the existence of endangered African wildlife, ensuring a legacy of biodiversity and beauty for generations to come. Join us in this noble cause: your support has the power to change the course of conservation history.
MORE BUSH JOURNAL
World Elephant Day 2026
Protecting Africa’s Gentle Giants Today, on World Elephant Day, Saving the Survivors celebrates one of the most extraordinary and iconic animals to walk our planet — the elephant. Elephants have always held a very special place in the work of Saving the Survivors. Over the years, our veterinary teams have worked with countless elephants across … Continued
Technology Helping Pangolins Thrive in the Wild
Every successful wildlife release marks the beginning of a new chapter, but ensuring an animal continues to thrive in the wild requires ongoing monitoring. For species as vulnerable as the pangolin, every check-up provides invaluable insight into the success of their rehabilitation and release. Recently, the Saving The Survivors team returned to the field to … Continued
Strengthening the Future of White Rhinos Through Genetic Conservation
Saving the Survivors, in partnership with the Veterinary Conservation Coalition (VCC), has successfully completed the translocation of several White rhino cows to a South African reserve where no new genetics had been introduced for more than 20 years. Although moving rhinos is a complex and carefully planned operation, this project was about much more than … Continued
Innocent Victim:
White Rhino Saved After Devastating Snare Injury Every snare tells a tragic story. Not because it catches the animal it was intended for, but because it so often catches those it was never meant to. This adult White rhinoceros cow became one of those innocent victims. When our veterinary team located her, she was suffering … Continued
Nature's Medicine at Work
A Remarkable Rhino Recovery A few weeks ago, we shared the story of a Southern White Rhino mother suffering from a significant wound to her hindquarters, most likely caused by the horn of an overenthusiastic bull. At the time, the injury was extensive and vulnerable to infection. In the harsh conditions of the African bush, … Continued
Big Ben's Battle Scars:
An Unusual Treatment for an Extraordinary Patient Life for a dominant bull rhino is rarely peaceful. For Big Ben, one of the area’s largest and most powerful white rhinos, a recent territorial dispute left him with a significant facial wound. Like many mature bulls, Big Ben regularly encounters rivals competing for territory, breeding rights, and … Continued
A Rhino, An Elephant and a Race Against Time
At Saving the Survivors, no two wildlife interventions are ever the same. Recently, our veterinary team was called to assist a White Rhino cow suffering from a severely damaged horn. While injuries to horns can appear straightforward at first glance, they often require careful assessment and treatment to prevent complications and ensure the animal’s long-term … Continued
Monitoring One of Africa’s Most Vulnerable Predators
Saving the Survivors recently carried out an important conservation intervention involving an adult male cheetah living on a protected property where a coalition of males was successfully introduced by Saving the Survivors and the Veterinary Conservation Coalition in 2025. As part of our ongoing monitoring and conservation work, the cheetah was carefully immobilised by our … Continued
Hope Continues Her Frontline Mission Protecting Wildlife
At Saving the Survivors, every success story is built on the support of people who believe wildlife is worth protecting. Hope, one of our anti-poaching K9s, is a perfect example of what that support can achieve. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Hope was purchased, trained, and deployed to help protect wildlife on the … Continued
A Mother’s Strength in the African Bush
Out in the African bush, survival is never easy. Every day brings new challenges, and even the strongest animals can suffer painful injuries in the wild. Recently, the veterinary team from Saving the Survivors responded to help a Southern White Rhino cow found with a significant wound to her back leg, most likely caused by … Continued
Eight Years On:
A Story of Strength, Survival, and Hope Eight years ago, a magnificent adult bull elephant suffered a fracture to his left front limb — an injury that could easily have marked the end of his journey. But this elephant endured. Recently, our Founder and Head Veterinarian, Dr Johan Marais, returned with the Saving the Survivors … Continued
Hope on the Frontline:
A Protector Made Possible by You Deep in the bushveld, where the threat of poaching is ever-present, a highly trained protector moves silently alongside the rangers. Focused, disciplined, and relentless in her pursuit — this is Hope. Many of you will remember that Hope, our anti-poaching K9, was made possible entirely through your generosity. From … Continued
