There are countless organizations who raise millions of dollars each year meant to help in the fight to protect the species.
Unfortunately, many of these organizations spend most of that money on raising even more money.
It’s become an industry all to itself. The money these wildlife organizations raise doesn’t end up in the hands of those on the ground, actually protecting rhinos.
The administration costs that come with running an international organization also need to be paid for. Many of these organizations claim to be non-profit, but the people in charge of these organizations receive salaries and bonuses that rival CEOs of top corporations.
“At Rockwood, we believe what we do today, matters tomorrow.”
THE ROCKWOOD APPROACH: AGGRESSIVE CONSERVATION
Rockwood is different. We’re doing everything we can. Including what others can’t.
As a privately owned conservation dedicated to saving the rhino and protecting wildlife, every cent we receive goes to the safekeeping and general upkeep of our animals. When it comes to protecting wildlife, there’s no room for half measures. Whatever the threat, we go above and beyond to safeguard species from those who would do them harm – we call it “aggressive conservation”.
We make use of the latest thermal surveillance, security cameras and mobile camera traps that are monitored 24/7 from Rockwood’s Operation Centre. Security stations and ranger camps are manned round-the-clock by our highly-trained and well-equipped mounted rangers. Our rangers also monitor the health and behavior of our rhino population daily while on patrol on foot or on horseback.
Rockwood’s ultimate goal is to not have to save the rhino at all. Until then, we’re dedicated to doing whatever it takes to ensure the continued survival of the species. That means using our aggressive conservation approach to protect the rhinos we care for. While it’s a far cry from how they would live in the wild, free from human interference, it is their best chance in our current climate.
Unlike most rhino conservation parks, we actually welcome and encourage human interaction. It’s one of the best ways to not only study these animals but also teach people about the importance of what we do here at Rockwood. We feel that only once you come face to face with these majestic beasts, will you fully comprehend why we’re fighting for their survival.
AT ROCKWOOD, WE BELIEVE WHAT WE DO TODAY, MATTERS TOMORROW.
Currently, the future of rhinos hangs in the balance. If we don’t act, a species that has roamed Earth for over millions of years will be gone forever. If we fail the rhinoceros, then there is no telling how much biodiversity we’re going to lose from our own actions.
Our lack of congruence with human nature, the loss of connections of humans to their natural environment and the disregarding of our genetic and deep-rooted affinity toward nature, directly impact our future.
Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous organic architect, writer and educator said, “Study Nature, love Nature, stay close to Nature. It will never fail you.”