Swimming for Javan Rhinos

Team Rhino Spotlight – Creative Champions for Conservation

After struggling with seven bouts of COVID-19 and being in and out of hospitals for over two years with immune system collapse-related issues, international zoologist and marine biologist Dan Lack made a commitment to swim 100 km (62 miles) over a month to raise money for the protection and management of the last Javan rhino population at Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia.

Through discussions with Ujung Kulon National Park Director Ardi Andono and the International Rhino Foundation team, it became clear to Dan how important camera traps are to maintaining consistent population census data for Javan rhino conservation and protection.

Due to their incredibly dense jungle habitat, combined with their solitary and highly shy nature, keeping tabs on the remaining Javan rhinos in the Park is as difficult as it gets. Camera traps are key to understanding many aspects of the rhino population, from basic numbers to sex and age demographics.

Dan began his swims in early November, 2024, officially crossing his aquatic finish line on November 30th, after swimming 3.5 km (2 miles) a day for 30 days. During his training, Dan was overwhelmed by the support from so many individuals, family members and friends, including the National Zoo & Aquarium Conservation Team (NZACT) in Canberra, Australia, who wanted to contribute to his ambitious goal and support the last Javan rhino population on earth.  Dan raised an impressive AU $9,800 ($6,051.98 USD), which can fund up to 49 camera traps to monitor, protect and identify rhinos in the dense Indonesian rainforest.

After starting his career in zoos and aquariums with a focus on marine life, Dan discovered an affinity for global conservation and rescue/rehab facilities. He pivoted his career, spending the next 15+ years working between Australia, Tanzania, California and Swedish Lapland aiding in the expansion, supervision and management of sanctuaries, forever homes, wildlife parks and reserves, specializing on marine mammals, big cats, primates, wolves and a range of ungulates.  One of his proudest journeys has been working under Donna Wilson as she built and established the first exotic forever home charity for big cats and more in Australia, the Zambi Wildlife Foundation.

Being embraced by Indigenous cultures from Native Americans to the Masai and the Sami has provided Dan with a truly special and unique insight into the animals cared for and managed in each part of this vulnerable world.

Now, coming out of Covid and juggling the new world, Dan has found a home base and a very supportive team and family in Canberra, Australia at the National Zoo & Aquarium. Continuing his work with ungulates, including two handsome Southern White rhino males, Dan is rebuilding his health and taking steps toward regaining his life mission in support of the continued growth of international conservation, while spreading education and awareness to the public.

Thank you Dan for being part of Team Rhino! 

If you would like to support rhino conservation by helping to fund camera traps in Africa and Asia check out how to help here.