by Rhino Rescue: Battling Extinction in South Africa is a documentary that details the efforts to protect one of Africa’s most endangered species. The documentary is funded in part by the Dallas Safari Club along with others in the outdoor industry including Leupold scopes and Federal ammunition.
Set against the vast and untamed landscapes of Rockwood Conservation, a 33,000-acre sanctuary dedicated to preserving the future of white rhinos, the film immerses audiences in the harrowing realities of conservation. With approximately 400 white rhinos residing within its borders, Rockwood represents a glimmer of hope for a species on the brink of extinction. However, the growing threat of poaching continues to push these majestic animals closer to the edge, making this conservation mission an urgent and formidable challenge.
From the outset, Rhino Rescue goes beyond traditional wildlife documentaries by presenting the personal stories of individual rhinos, showcasing their unique personalities, social behaviors, and deep familial bonds. The film underscores the fact that each lost rhino is not just a statistic—it’s a life filled with connections and experiences.
The documentary also shines a light on the dedicated veterinarians, caretakers, and conservationists working tirelessly to protect, heal, and rehabilitate rhinos injured by poachers. Through raw and emotional storytelling, viewers witness the deep emotional toll of conservation work, as well as the extraordinary dedication required to give these animals a fighting chance. One particularly moving sequence follows a young rhino calf that, after losing its mother to poachers, struggles to adapt to life in the sanctuary. The conservation team’s unwavering efforts to nurture and rehabilitate the calf provide a heart-wrenching yet inspiring portrait of resilience.
The trailer for the documentary is below:
The documentary is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime. You can find it here. (#commission earned) It is also available on Make Ready TV and Apple TV. It appears that there is no cost to view it on Make Ready TV thanks to ads.
The documentary was directed and produced by Fernando Coehlo. Interestingly enough, I met Fernando and his wife Bri at the Atlanta airport as we both were coming back from South Africa last year. We had a nice chat while waiting to go through US Customs. Given they were traveling with film gear I am wondering if they hadn’t just filmed this documentary. I know they had done some hunting while in South Africa.