Supporting Insimbi Reserve:
Rhino Collaring Operation
Saving The Survivors recently conducted a critical rhino collaring operation at Insimbi Reserve, one of our longest-standing and closest partners in rhino conservation.
Collaring plays a vital role in modern conservation management. It enables reserve teams to monitor movements, strengthen anti-poaching strategies, and make informed decisions that directly protect rhinos on the ground. These operations are logistically complex and financially demanding — and private reserves like Insimbi receive no governmental funding or financial support.
One of the core objectives of Saving The Survivors is to stand alongside reserves such as Insimbi by providing specialised veterinary expertise. By doing so, we help reduce the financial burden of essential conservation interventions, ensuring that critical work can continue where it is needed most.
A Controlled but High-Risk Moment
During this particular procedure, the rhino cow’s recovery from anaesthesia required close veterinary supervision.
Normally, after administration of the reversal drug, a rhino regains consciousness within one to two minutes. In this case, although her respiration and muscle tone improved appropriately, she was slow to regain full postural strength. She required verbal and tactile encouragement to move into sternal recumbency and eventually stand.
Assisting at this stage carries inherent risk. A partially disoriented rhino can rise suddenly and unpredictably, with limited spatial awareness. Close support, however, is often critical to reduce the risk of ataxia, secondary trauma, or prolonged recumbency, and to ensure a stable, controlled return to mobility.
Dr. Johan remained close during this sensitive phase — a potentially dangerous position — relying on years of experience to judge precisely where to stand and when to withdraw from the animal’s immediate vicinity.
This is the reality of hands-on wildlife conservation: highly skilled, carefully calculated, and always focused on the welfare and safety of the animal.
Watch the Operation
To see the full collaring operation — including the cow’s recovery — please visit our social media channels where the video has been shared.
Thank You
Saving The Survivors is 100% funded by donations.
Without the continued support of our donors and partners, operations like this would not be possible. By supporting us, you are directly supporting reserves like Insimbi and contributing to the long-term protection of rhinos.
Together, we ensure that conservation action continues where it matters most.
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