Support Rangers Protecting Endangered Species

Thank you for standing with our Anti-Poaching Unit and supporting the vital work they do every day to protect rhinos in their natural habitat. This report highlights the impact your support has made over the past quarter, strengthening on-the-ground security, safeguarding vulnerable rhinos, and helping prevent poaching before it can happen.

Honouring a Legend: Crocodile’s Retirement

After more than a decade of dedicated service on the frontlines of rhino protection, our beloved Frank, known affectionately as Crocodile, has officially retired. For over ten years, he has been an indispensable part of Care for Wild’s protection strategy, walking countless kilometres alongside our rangers and forming deep bonds with the rhinos under our care.

Crocodile’s presence will be profoundly missed. His calm demeanor, knowing smile, and deep understanding of rhino behaviour made him not just a guide but a mentor within our team. His knowledge and intuition, honed over years of experience, have been invaluable in keeping rhinos safe and in training new generations of wildlife protectors.

Before retiring, Crocodile shared his wisdom with a new group of ranger recruits, ensuring that his insight and experience continue to strengthen the future of wildlife protection.

We are deeply grateful to Frank for his unwavering dedication, loyalty, and heart. His retirement is richly deserved, and we hope it brings him peace, joy, and the quiet satisfaction of a life spent protecting some of the world’s most endangered animals

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Caring for Our Mounted Unit Heroes

Our horses recently received their annual vaccinations and dental check-ups, an essential part of keeping them healthy, comfortable, and ready for the vital work they do alongside our rangers.

Horses, like humans, can develop dental issues that make eating painful and affect their performance. Regular dental care prevents discomfort and ensures they remain strong and agile. Vaccinations are equally important, protecting them from serious diseases such as African horse sickness and tetanus.

These remarkable animals are far more than patrol partners. They are trusted companions, covering long distances across challenging terrain to help safeguard the rhinos and wildlife in our care. By prioritising their health and wellbeing, we ensure they can continue this critical work safely, confidently, and comfortably.

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Celebrating Jimmy: Our Newly Qualified Dog Handler

We are thrilled to celebrate a remarkable achievement by Jimmy, one of Care for Wild’s dedicated Rhino Monitors. After completing the full Genesis K9 Group Dog Handler 1–5 programme, Jimmy is now a fully qualified Dog Handler.

Over an intensive 12 weeks, Jimmy undertook demanding training that included classroom work, hands-on kennel experience, physical conditioning, and rigorous assessments. The programme covered everything from foundational dog care and obedience to advanced patrol, tracking, and detection skills. Not only did he complete all five modules, he excelled, earning top honours as Fittest Student and Best Student Overall.

Jimmy now returns to Care for Wild equipped with new expertise, confidence, and a canine partner by his side, strengthening our security and K9 capabilities. His journey is more than a personal milestone; it exemplifies how conservation can create opportunity. Through protecting rhinos and their ecosystems, we empower members of local communities to develop specialised skills, pursue meaningful careers, and play an active role in safeguarding their natural heritage.

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Care for Wild at ACT Con: Advancing Global Conservation Technology

This November, Care for Wild had the privilege of attending the Applied Conservation Technology Congress (ACT Con), hosted in Vietnam. The gathering brought together leading voices in conservation and technology to explore the future of data-driven protected area management.

Thanks to a sponsored placement from EarthRanger, Care for Wild was able to participate in this global forum. Our Conservation Technology Manager, Sam Cilliers, represented the organisation and engaged with international partners who are shaping how technology supports wildlife protection and landscape management.

As long-standing users of the EarthRanger platform, Care for Wild recognises the essential role that integrated, real-time systems play in strengthening security, improving decision-making, and supporting team coordination on the ground. ACT Con reaffirmed the importance of these tools and provided valuable insights that will further enhance our conservation technology ecosystem.

Thank you for your continued support, we could not do what we do without you.