Illegal hunting for rhino horn was primarily responsible for the crash in black rhino numbers from an estimated 100,000 animals in the 1960s to a low of about 1,800 surviving today. In most countries the species became extinct and the remaining populations are now scattered, and in many cases geographically isolated.

In Namibia all black rhinos belong to the Government. Unfortunately, the level of resources required to effectively counter the illegal killing of black rhino by far exceed available budgets. This renders it almost impossible to effectively protect the black rhino, especially taking into account the vast areas in which they roam.

The Namibian Government through the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) came up with the brilliant Black Rhino Custodianship Program in the middle 90’s. Through this programme, local people become custodians of state-owned rhino. Rhinos are placed on privately owned game farms creating a more controlled environment in which they can be protected.

Since 2014, the increase in poaching has placed enormous strain on the program as private land owners receive no compensation or subsidy from the government in order to protect these rhinos.

It is for this reason that Namibia Wildlife Protection initiated an International Volunteer Program to assist and subsidise our Anti Poaching efforts on the custodian farms.

Our Volunteer program currently costs USD650.00 per week, with a minimum of 2 weeks. Full and intense training will be given at the start of your course. Once done with training, you will be placed on one of the Rhino-protection farms to assist our anti-poaching teams. You will be hands-on on a daily basis with rhino and other wildlife and your duties will vary from horse/foot/vehicle patrols to manning observation posts or our control room. Should you be interested, you need to book your place in advance.

Are you ready to make a REAL difference?