THE STORY OF ROCKWOOD
Born from a dream of one man, Wicus Diedericks, Rockwood was transformed from a cattle and sheep farm into over 12 000 hectares (30 000 acres) of land dedicated to the protection of wild rhinos and endemic species.
We take an aggressive stance to rhino conservation. While living under 24-hour security surveillance is not how rhinos would typically live in the wild, it is our best bet in keeping them safe from their biggest threats: expanding human settlement and agriculture, unchecked illegal poaching, and human apathy.
We now have 300+ Southern white rhinos in our care and have celebrated more than 130 births – making us one of the world’s largest and most successful private rhino conservation projects.
This all happened to 2013. We are serious about our mission.
Today, we are successfully offering our rhinos protection against poaching and extinction. We focus on breeding programmes, and invest in further research. We share our passion by offering volunteering programmes, and by inviting visitors to the farm to experience these majestic animals – with their horns still intact, up close, like you can experience no-where else.
“Had it not been for the efforts of private rhino owners to protect and breed rhinos, the Southern white rhino would be extinct today.”
Earl Duiker, Rockwood Security
WHY WE ARE SO PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR MISSION
The rhino is a keystone species, which means other species depend on them for their survival. Their disappearance will set off a chain of events that will change the structure and biodiversity of the environment irrevocably.
It is estimated that rhinos will completely disappear from national parks and reserves within the next ten years. It’s up to private owners and personal involvement to make a difference. We are passionate about this. Rockwood might have started as one man’s personal dream project, but it’s now involving a huge number of staff members, volunteers, researchers, and donors who all strive to save one of South Africa’s most majestic animals from extinction.
Round the clock security
Our aggressive conservation approach includes round-the-clock security using surveillance cameras and horse-mounted rangers.
Collaboration with Researchers
We collaborate with research experts, like the groundbreaking Hemmersbach Rhino Force Cryovault project, to further conservation.
Repopulation of the Herd
We repopulate areas with Southern white rhinos, with a focus on increasing genetic diversity and preventing genetic stagnation.
Safe Relocation of rhinos
We manage the responsible relocation of rhinos, which helps restore biodiversity and the continued survival of the species.
RHINO EDUCATION
We invite universities, companies and private researchers to become part of our ongoing data capturing and data sharing model, so that our collective knowledge can help protect the rhino (and hopefully other wildlife species) from extinction.
YOU, OUR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS MAKE OUR CONSERVATION EFFORTS POSSIBLE
