Collaboration in Action
In a decisive response to escalating rhino poaching, the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) is proud to report an extraordinary milestone reached through an intensive, collaborative conservation initiative: 382 rhinos dehorned in just two months.
As part of a broader counter-poaching strategy in the Greater Kruger landscape, involving nearly 200 flight hours across targeted wildlife reserves, the SAWC’s Savannah aircraft played a pivotal role, serving as both a spotter and command platform. This dual function streamlined the dehorning process, reducing the average time per animal to just 12 -15 minutes. Indicative of the operation’s success is the record number of rhinos dehorned in a single day, which stands at an impressive 27 rhinos.
Working closely with provincial authorities, experienced wildlife veterinarians, other pilots, landowners, technical teams, and private sector supporters, this work was carried out in a high-risk landscape, where rhinos continue to be brutally targeted by sophisticated poaching syndicates. The urgency of such interventions is also emphasised by recent statistics: In 2024, the Kruger National Park reported 88 rhinos poached – a 13% increase from the previous year. Alarmingly, 21 rhinos were killed in December alone, with a further 17 poached in January 2025. This recent surge demonstrates the adaptive tactics of poaching syndicates and the pressing need for enhanced protective measures.
In the first quarter of 2025, 103 rhinos were poached across South Africa, 65 of those within national parks. Although the country recorded a 16% overall decline in poaching last year, increases in key areas such as Kruger National Park underscore the need for continued vigilance and interventions such as dehorning.
Dehorning, whilst not a permanent or stand-alone solution, is currently one of the most effective deterrents. As a strategic conservation measure, it removes the primary incentive – the horn, which is among the most valuable commodities on the black market. Despite international bans, this lucrative trade continues to fuel poaching, posing a grave threat to rhino populations.
“We’re fighting for our wildlife – one rhino at a time,” said Theresa Sowry, CEO of the SAWC. “This scale of work is only possible through partnership and shared purpose. Our role is to support, enable and strengthen this collective effort.”
This coordinated dehorning initiative underscores the critical role of cross-sector collaboration and exemplifies the commitment of conservationists, veterinarians, reserve staff, and pilots working tirelessly to protect rhinos and other targeted species. Special thanks are extended to the veterinarians from Wildscapes, Gerry McDonald from Big Game Heli Services, the wardens, staff and teams on the ground from the participating reserves and national parks, and the SAWC pilot, Bruce McDonald, for their dedication and efficiency.
The College’s Airwing continues to be a critical component of SAWC’s inclusive, Four-Tiered Counter-Poaching Approach, which combines well-trained field rangers, tracking dogs, aerial surveillance, and community engagement. Together, these integrated elements form a scalable, inclusive strategy that helps address the complex dynamics of wildlife crime.
Continued support is vital to sustain and expand these efforts, safeguarding rhinos for future generations. And here the College extends its deepest appreciation to all partners involved—we cannot do this work alone. Every story, every decision, every rhino saved speaks to the power of unified action as well as to the courage and commitment of a larger conservation family striving to protect one of Africa’s most threatened species.
