In a world facing the severe consequences of biodiversity loss, it’s encouraging to witness a rare sign of recovery for an endangered species. The African rhino, which has been a prime target of relentless poaching for decades, has recently shown a promising resurgence. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 2021 marked a notable increase in rhino numbers throughout Africa, bringing the first piece of “good news” for these extraordinary animals in ten years.
Mackenzie Knott, a 10yearold girl from Rallim Preparatory School in Cape Town, South Africa, is on a mission to save rhinos. With her adventurous spirit and compassionate heart, she has found a unique way to contribute to rhino conservation. Mackenzie is a crosscountry runner and mountain trail enthusiast, and she has surmounted the challenging 13 Peaks Challenge to raise funds for orphaned baby rhinos under the care of Rhino Connect NPO.
South African entrepreneur John Hume has been on a decadeslong mission to save the white rhino from extinction. Hume’s private farm, a conservation area for rhinos for 30 years, houses 2,000 of these majestic creatures. However, factors such as poaching and climate change have made it possible for Hume to continue with funding. As a result, he has decided to auction off his farm and its rhinos in the hopes that a new owner will continue his conservation efforts.
