The WildLife Foundation Supports Rangers In Protecting Endangered Rhinos
The WildLife Foundation, the charity based at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, is funding the vital work of wildlife rangers by supporting specialist training to help protect one of the world's most endangered animals.
01 August 2026
Wildlife rangers are on the frontline of conservation, working every day to protect endangered animals, monitor wildlife and safeguard fragile habitats. Their work often takes place in challenging and dangerous conditions.
The specialist Rhino Tactical Refresher Course at Ol Jogi Conservancy in Kenya's Laikipia County will ensure 30 wildlife rangers remain fully prepared through expert instruction in tactical response, navigation, surveillance, operational readiness and first aid.
The initiative was announced to mark World Ranger Day the 31st of July.
WildLife Foundation CEO Cheryl Williams said: "Wildlife rangers dedicate their lives to protecting some of the world's most endangered species and the habitats they depend on. Their work is essential to the future of rhino conservation which is why we are delighted to support them.
"Specialist training like this ensures rangers have the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to respond to the challenges they face every day. It also helps them continue safeguarding Kenya's rhino population for years to come."
The training helps rangers respond effectively to any potential threats facing eastern black rhinos and southern white rhinos, while ensuring they remain equipped with the latest skills needed to protect one of the world's most endangered species.
Kenya is home to around half of the world's remaining eastern black rhinos, making it one of the most important countries for the conservation of the critically endangered species and the wider ecosystem they help sustain
Ol Jogi Conservancy is home to both black and white rhinos and has not lost a single rhino to poaching since 2015. Continued training is essential to maintaining that success and preparing ranger teams for future conservation challenges.
Each ranger taking part in the refresher course is assessed throughout the programme, helping identify strengths and areas for development. The programme also supports long-term operational readiness and strengthens conservation efforts across the Conservancy.
This work supports the long-term conservation of eastern black rhinos and southern white rhinos, while helping protect the wider ecosystem that is home to elephants, lions, Grevy's zebra and many other threatened species.
The specialist programme builds on a long-standing partnership between the WildLife Foundation, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Save the Rhino International and Ol Jogi Conservancy, which has supported rhino conservation for several years.
Last year, the Foundation also backed Rocco's Challenge a fundraising initiative at Yorkshire Wildlife Park inspired by the Park’s baby rhino Rocco helping raise awareness and support for rhino conservation. Together, these ongoing efforts continue to strengthen the protection of one of the world's most endangered species and those working on the frontline to safeguard them. The campaign was also supported by fundraising activities of Harrison College in Doncaster.
Dr Charlotte Macdonald, Animal Director at Yorkshire Wildlife Park added,’ It is lovely that our young rhino Rocco could inspire people to donate to help Bella, a young, orphaned rhino at Ol Jogi. Working together the WildLife Foundation and Yorkshire Wildlife Park are able to make a difference to black rhinos in the wild’.
Visitors to Yorkshire Wildlife Park can learn more about the critically endangered eastern black rhino by visiting Makibo, Najuma and Rocco, who live within the park’s three-acre Into Africa! reserve.
Their reserve forms part of the park's ongoing commitment to raising awareness of endangered species and the vital conservation work taking place to protect them both in the UK and across Africa. Visitors to the park have donated thousands to fund conservation efforts.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which puts conservation at the heart of all its activities, offers visitors a mesmerising walk-through experience, coming almost face to face with some of the world's most beautiful and at-risk species, including Polar Bears, Amur Tigers, Giraffes and African Painted Dogs.
Yorkshire Wildlife Resort also boasts The Hex Wildlife Hotel and The Yorkshire Hive, the shopping, dining and entertainment village.
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