Who Saves You When You Are Saving Rhinos?
As fulfilling as it is to play a part in saving rhinos from extinction, the truth is that this journey has also been both lonely and terrifying. The costs of maintaining this effort have been crippling. The fear of imminent failure is constant, and very real.
​
But we have found friends along the way, and those friends have sustained us in ways that simply must be called out. Their help is an inspiration to anyone who wonders what they can do to make a difference. And the difference these friends have made is immense.
When financial disaster loomed, and failure was imminent, Rockwood stepped in with the help and money needed to keep Black Rock and its rhinos safe. When poachers hit us repeatedly, and we needed the help of armed and committed experts in fighting back, Rockwood sent rangers and tools.
Their ongoing support has been astonishing in scope, and its importance cannot be overstated.
​
We will forever be indebted to Rockwood, and to the family behind Rockwood.
In June 2022, our reserve was suddenly hit by five poaching incursions in one week. The ferocity of that assault never let up. By mid July, we were demoralized, and scared. Then the men and women of Dave Sheer Guns joined the fight.
​
Their vehicles arrived the weekend of the full moon -- the peak of poaching activity. Seven vehicles, packed with 11 heavily armed, highly trained, and deeply committed firearms experts, who spent their nights patrolling our reserve, and their days evaluating ways in which we might strengthen our security.
​
By the following weekend, they had organized weapons and equipment for our rangers, cameras to cover our entire perimeter, and even vehicles to ensure that our team can respond with appropriate speed to any breaches of that perimeter.
​
This support has turned out to be so much more than a single burst of power to help us through one frightening weekend. It has become a friendship and partnership that strengthens our capabilities, and even our sense that this fight can be won. These guys are real life heroes.
When financial disaster loomed, and failure was imminent, Rockwood stepped in with the help and money needed to keep Black Rock and its rhinos safe. When poachers hit us repeatedly, and we needed the help of armed and committed experts in fighting back, Rockwood sent rangers and tools.
Their ongoing support has been astonishing in scope, and its importance cannot be overstated.
​
We will forever be indebted to Rockwood, and to the family behind Rockwood.
When financial disaster loomed, and failure was imminent, Rockwood stepped in with the help and money needed to keep Black Rock and its rhinos safe. When poachers hit us repeatedly, and we needed the help of armed and committed experts in fighting back, Rockwood sent rangers and tools.
Their ongoing support has been astonishing in scope, and its importance cannot be overstated.
​
We will forever be indebted to Rockwood, and to the family behind Rockwood.