Conserving a Species: One Rhino at a time | Babanango Game Reserve

Director: Nicola Gerrard

Producer: Love Africa Marketing

Producer Company: Love Africa Marketing

Agency: Love Africa Marketing

Client: Babanango Game Reserve

Country: South Africa

Synopsis

In the lead-up to World Rhino Day on September 22nd, Babanango Game Reserve have dehorned the last of our rhino population as part of our ongoing action to conserve this species. This effort is part of the reserve’s conservation strategy to combat poaching and safeguard these threatened animals. With the assistance of Wildlife Solutions Africa, this operation took place over two days, concluding the horn-trimming cycle of the reserve's entire population for 2024. The operation was led by reserve ecologist, Stuart Dunlop, and the Babanango team, with local vet Ryan van Deventer, and helicopter company, Heligistix, who worked together to ensure the safe sedation and dehorning of the rhino. Horn trimming is a proactive and humane method of conserving the species, and is used to reduce the risk of poaching. Although this is not a standalone solution, it has proven to be one of the most effective solutions. Our rhino operations have been supported by many conservation donors and partners nationally and internationally, enabling these vital interventions to take place in the protection of our rhinos. Production by Love Africa Marketing | Calvin Thompson.

Objectives

The goal of the film is largely to showcase active conservation in action and to demonstrate the real work involved in protecting rhinos, including the logistics, expertise, and teamwork behind dehorning operations. It also highlight the collaboration with specialists like Wildlife Solutions Africa, veterinary teams, and helicopter crews to show that the operation is professional, humane, and science-based. Dehorning is a complex and divisive conservation approach - this film showcases that horn trimming is a proactive anti-poaching strategy, helping audiences understand why it is done and dispelling misconceptions.