IRF and the Wildlife Conservation Network Launch a New Program for Rhino Leaders

The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) and the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) are joining forces to launch the first-ever Rising Wildlife Leaders—Careers cohort dedicated entirely to rhino conservation practitioners! We are now accepting applications for the rhino cohort, which will begin in April, 2025.

This transformative program empowers local conservationists by providing the skills, networks, and opportunities necessary for long-term career success. Selected participants receive up to three years of tailored support, including individualized capacity building, professional mentorship, peer learning, and career guidance. With all five species of rhinos currently under threat from poaching, habitat degradation, and other factors, it is critical now more than ever to bolster the ability of rhino conservationists to succeed.  

IRF’s vision is a world where rhinos thrive in the wild. We simply cannot create the conditions for rhinos and the communities who live alongside them to thrive without a dedicated, empowered and knowledgeable network of local rhino conservation professionals. The Rising Wildlife Leaders – Rhino Careers cohort aims to reduce barriers to long-term employment in rhino conservation and retain talented, passionate individuals in the field, particularly those native to the regions where they work. 

By investing in the next generation of rhino conservation leaders, we are strengthening local expertise, fostering long-term careers in conservation, and securing a sustainable future where rhinos thrive in the wild.

To learn more, visit https://rhinos.org/our-work/what-we-do/engaging-people/. Join us in our mission to protect these magnificent animals and the countless lives they touch.