Rhino Hero Spotlight: Tracking, Protecting and Rescuing Rhinos in Bubye Valley

In Zimbabwe’s Bubye Valley Conservancy, a dedicated team of 11 rhino monitors works tirelessly to protect one of the world’s most iconic and endangered animals, the black rhino. These rhino monitors are on the frontline keeping track of each individual rhino so they can detect and respond to poaching. We spoke with one of these unsung heroes to learn what it’s really like to track rhinos across tough terrain, respond to injuries and care for orphaned calves.

Teamwork in the Field

Each patrol team is made up of two rhino monitors and a dedicated driver. “Driving is not a common skill here,” the ranger explained, “so having trained drivers means the car can come pick us up after we’ve tracked a rhino on foot, saving time and energy.”

The two-person teams, or “call-signs,” increase efficiency and safety. “It’s important for speed and also for protection, there are elephants, lions and buffaloes out there, too.”

A Day in the Life of a Rhino Ranger

Every morning starts with searching for rhino spoor, which could be tracks, broken branches or dung. “Once we find fresh spoor, we track the rhino until we get a visual and can identify the individual,” he said. “We take photos for our records and confirm which rhino it is.” Rhinos are identified by their ear notches, as each notch configuration  is individual to that rhino. 

Afternoons often involve surveillance from observation posts. “We climb hills in areas where poaching has been a problem and look out for any suspicious activity with binoculars.”

Tracking Rhinos Under Threat

Despite progress, poaching remains a threat. “The hardest part of my job? Finding poached rhino carcasses,” the ranger admitted. Thanks to rhino monitoring and management, in 2024 Zimbabwe lost just 4 rhinos to poaching, from a recent high of 77 in 2019. 

There are also moments of deep fulfillment: “The best part is finding new rhino calves. That means our efforts are working.”

Rescuing Every Rhino

When asked about his most memorable experience, the ranger didn’t hesitate. “It was when poaching got really bad. We had to move all our rhinos to safety. We tracked down every single one so it could be darted and translocated. We didn’t leave even one behind.”

Caring for the Wounded and Orphaned

Though rhino injuries are rare in Bubye Valley, bullet wounds are unfortunately the most common when they do occur. When a rhino is injured, rangers observe its movement, feeding behavior and general health before deciding whether to call in a veterinarian. “Most injuries don’t need treatment, but some do if they are very bad,” the ranger explained.

Injured rhinos are monitored closely and sometimes brought into a boma—a holding pen—if they need intensive care. “We check their spoor to see if they’re drinking and eating. If they’re not improving, we bring them in and care for them until they recover.”

For orphaned calves, the challenge is getting them to eat. “Young calves are scared of people at first, so bottle-feeding takes time. But black rhinos learn quickly and come to expect their bottles right on schedule.”

Learning on the Job

Like many in conservation, this ranger received his training in the field. “There’s no school to practice on rhinos,” he laughed. “You just work with experienced rangers who teach you what to do.”

Why They Do This Work

“I became a ranger because I have good animal tracking skills, and it keeps me close to my home and family,” he said.

After over 20 years, his commitment hasn’t wavered. “What makes it all worth it is knowing we’re protecting something irreplaceable.”