Who is the Australian Rhino Project?

Established in 2013, The Australian Rhino Project is a conservation organisation that is committed to working as part of the collective international fight to protect African rhinoceros from extinction and preserve them for future generations. The project is currently in collaboration with Royal Zoological Society of South Australia, Orana Wildlife Trust, and Taronga Conservation Society Australia. The collective group of this project consists of individuals, supporters, and partner organisations who are passionate about ensuring the survival of the rhinoceros. Since the start of the project, the poaching epidemic has only increased in South Africa and the future of the rhino species continues to become more precarious.

What is our vision?

The Australian Rhino Project is currently working to expand the population of white rhinos in Australia and New Zealand to maintain a genetically diverse breeding crash that can act as an insurance population should the rhino become extinct in its African homeland. The project's aim is to relocate a breeding herd of white rhinos from South Africa to Australia. 

Why are we doing this project?

Rhinos are among the world’s most endangered species, with their population under severe threat due to poaching, habitat loss, and other human activities. Since 2010, official figures suggest that 8,955 rhinos have been poached in South Africa. With an estimated remaining population of less than 20,000 white rhinos, the species is becoming increasingly threatened due to poaching. Rhino populations in Asia and Africa have also been heavily impacted by poaching. Poaching has been driven by an illicit demand for rhino horn. We believe that we need to act now, as rhinos may be extinct in the wild in less than 10 years.