Our objective is the protection of endangered species through the use of advanced technologies and the management a professional Anti-Poaching-Unit. A key focus area is community skills development for job creation within the wildlife protection sector.

Critically Endangered Species

Currently, 75 species within the protected area are listed on either:

Of these species, the following four are listed as critically endangered.

• Black Rhino
• White backed Vulture
• Esturine Pipefish
• Hottentots boegoe

White rhino are currently listed as near threatened. However, they are the most targeted animal by poachers and at risk of quickly moving up the list, unless we stop the senseless killing.

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Thandi's story affirms that united conservation efforts can be successful.

On the 2 March 2012 one cow and two bull rhinos were poached at Kariega Game Reserve. Tragically, one bull was fatally wounded and died during the course of the night, whilst the remaining two were severely injured, but showed an incredible will to survive. For 24 days wildlife veterinary expert, Doctor William Fowlds, worked tirelessly with the Kariega team to give these survivors the best possible care and chance for recovery. Their bravery was unbelievable and inspired our rangers to nickname them Thandi and Themba, two isiXhosa names meaning courage (or to be loved) and hope. Sadly Themba (Hope) suffered a leg injury on the night he was poached and as a result of infection passed away on the morning of the 26 of March 2012.

Thandi continued to amaze us with her incredible fighting strength and miraculous recovery. She became the first rhino to ever survive a poaching attack. Her story spread around the world and has inspired many people to get involved in rhino conservation.

Thandi endured numerous operations, including pioneering skin graft surgery under the care of Dr William Fowlds. In December 2013 blood tests after her last facial procedure revealed that she was pregnant. After waiting for many months, we were overjoyed that she gave birth to a female calf on 13 January 2015. We called the calf Thembi, meaning hope in isiXhosa.

“The name Thembi seemed to fit best given that this little calf has brought fresh hope and energy to those who struggle to secure the future of our rhino. She is a new generation of life, one I hope will never experience a poaching incident like her mother and namesake Themba,” commented Dr William Fowlds when she was named.

Thandi surprised us again in January 2017 when she gave birth to another calf. The male rhino calf was born on 24 January 2017 and named Colin in memory of the visionary and founder of Kariega, Colin Rushmere. He passed just days before the rhino was born.

On Wednesday 3 April 2019 we celebrated the surprise birth of poaching survivor Thandi's third rhino baby. We decided to name the male white rhino calf Mthetho, which means justice in isiXhosa. This name was chosen to commemorate the conviction and sentencing of three rhino poachers which co-incidentally took place on the same day in nearby Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown).

Thandi became a grandmother rhino when her eldest calf Thembi gave birth to a baby on 21 October 2020.

On Monday 4 January 2021 Thandi delighted us again with a new calf. Our field guides named him Siya, after the legendary Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi. The addition of this baby boy brought her offspring to a fabulous four.

Just over two years later, on 1 April 2023 and in the midst of a renewed poaching crisis in the Eastern Cape, Thandi gave birth to her fifth calf. Another bull that we named Zolani, typifying our wish for this youngster to live a free-spirited life along with the rest of his species in calm and stillness. 

As if the birth of this fifth calf was not exciting enough! Two weeks later on the 17 April 2023 Thandi became a grandmother twice over, as Thembi gave birth to her second calf!

In July 2024, Colins first calf was born. This calf is Thandi's third grand-calf.

Our global efforts to saved one rhino, have left a legacy of eight rhino to date. 

Thank you to every person and organisation that contributed to this conservation success. 

Thandi we salute you!