Volunteer With Rhinos


Have you ever wanted to volunteer with rhinos? By doing so you can play an active role in the conservation of one of Africa’s most iconic species.

With their armour like skin, barrel-shaped bodies and the impressive horn which protrudes from their face, the rhino is surely a must-see on any wildlife enthusiast’s checklist. Here at The Great Projects, we provide you with the chance to see these creatures in the flesh on our many rhino volunteer projects.

Rhinos are relentlessly hunted for their horns, which value roughly at $100,000 per kilogram on the black market. This astronomical price rivals, and even overtakes the value of many other lucrative substances such as gold which can be traded on the black market. The horns are used as ingredients for Asian medicine despite evidence that there is no medicinal value in them, or they are used by humans as status symbols of wealth and success. Seemingly, this is an unnecessary trade that comes at the cost of the life of a rhino, and humans have placed this price on their heads. In 2017, there were more than 1000 rhinos slaughtered in South Africa alone.

It is clear that something must be done to try and preserve the rhino, who, like every other species in the animal kingdom play a vital role in the ecosystem. They are an umbrella species, which means their survival or demise impacts the survival of other species from birds to various types of mammals. By volunteering with rhinos, you can help to provide them with a sustainable future for generations to come, whether it be by helping to feed the animals, caring for them out on vast African reserves, or taking part in security patrols.

What are you waiting for? Secure your place to volunteer with rhinos today!

Projects Do More

Rhino Articles

Inge’s Experience at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

Inge’s Experience at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

Inge volunteered at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary in...

Florian's Review of the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary!

Florian's Review of the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary!

Florian volunteered at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary in...

Eszter's Experience of the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary!

Eszter's Experience of the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary!

Volunteer Eszter joined the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary team...

Thandi and Family – New Baby Rhino at Kariega!

Thandi and Family – New Baby Rhino at Kariega!

Famous Thandi overcame a horrific ordeal and her strength...

Rhinos At A Glance

ENDANGERED STATUS
Endangered/ Critically Endangered
NUMBER REMAINING IN THE WILD
Around 29,000
ENDEMIC REGION
Africa and Asia

How Endangered Are Rhinos

There are five different species of rhino, each of which are classified as critically endangered. The minute population of just 58-61 Javan rhinos makes it the rarest large land animal on Earth.

There are marginally more Sumatran rhinos with approximately 100 individuals remaining, and the Greater One-Horned rhino has a population of around 3,300. The more commonly known Black rhino is estimated to have around 5,455 individuals remaining, with the White rhino population standing at around 21,077.

Of course, earlier in 2018 marked a sad day for the conservation world with the death of the last male Northern White rhino, Sudan, and back in 2011, we saw the complete extinction of the Western Black rhino.

Volunteering with rhinos is a great way to make an active contribution towards providing these creatures with a sustainable future. 

Threats Rhinos Are Facing

Rhinos may look strong, and invincible, but they are becoming more and more vulnerable. If you choose to volunteer with Rhinos you can help make a difference. Some of the threats they face include:

  • Poaching – rhino poaching is relentless in Africa and thousands of the animals are killed each year.
  • Habitat Loss – much of the land in which the rhino resides has been cleared for human settlement and logging as human populations continue to grow. This is further limiting the already small land mass the animal has to live on and can pose a detriment to their survival.
  • Climate Change - rhinos need specific breeding areas when it comes to mating season and need specific conditions to give birth. With climate change, the breeding areas available change too, which can lead to a decline in the population.
Fast Facts

Volunteer with Rhinos and learn about these magnificent creatures up close.

  • Rhinos have been on the planet for some 60 million years, and their appearance may lead some to believe that they are related to dinosaurs. However, the closest relatives of the rhino are tapirs and horses!
  • The oxpecker bird is a welcome passenger on board the rhino’s back as it picks parasitic ticks out of the rhino’s skin. The birds provide another helpful service to the animals as they are known to screech loudly when humans approach.
  • Since the 1970s and 1980s, it is estimated there has been an 85% decline in rhino populations.
  • The meaning of the name 'rhinoceros', quite fittingly, means 'nose horn'!
Where you can go
Contact Info
UK Office
The Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
   Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
   Sat 10am-4pm

T: +44(0) 208 885 4987