The Guardians of the Wild: Meet the Women Saving the World’s Rarest Rhinos
In this new series, our Executive Director, Nina Fascione, brings you behind the scenes to meet the heroes of rhino conservation.
Deoclearancia Lorna Dax, who goes by Lorna, is part of a new generation of conservation leaders helping shape the future of rhino protection in Africa. Driven by purpose, passion and a deep connection to the landscapes and communities she serves, Lorna, in her role as Program and Partnership Development Assistant, is a valued member of the team at the Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) in Namibia.
Lorna joined Save the Rhino Trust in 2022 and works at the center of efforts to protect Namibia’s critically endangered desert-adapted black rhinos, one of the world’s most remarkable and resilient rhino populations. Found only in the arid northwest of the country, these rhinos survive in an environment of rugged mountains and sparse vegetation: a landscape where conservation success depends heavily on strong relationships between wildlife managers and the local communities who share the land.
At SRT, Lorna plays an important role in strengthening field programs and building partnerships that support both conservation and community development. Her work helps ensure that rangers have the support they need to patrol vast desert landscapes, monitor rhino populations and safeguard these animals from poaching. She is particularly passionate about advocating for ranger welfare, recognizing the demanding and often dangerous conditions under which frontline conservation teams operate. By helping to build stronger partnerships with donors, government agencies and conservation organizations, Lorna contributes to the long-term sustainability of SRT’s work.
Lorna’s commitment to conservation is deeply personal. Growing up, she watched her father work in community-based conservation, witnessing firsthand how local stewardship can transform both livelihoods and wildlife protection. That early exposure helped shape her understanding that successful conservation is not just about protecting animals – it is about empowering people, building trust and creating opportunities for communities to benefit from preserving their natural heritage. Inspired by her father’s example, Lorna has carved out her own path as a passionate advocate for both wildlife and the communities who live alongside it.
Education has also played an important role in her journey. Lorna holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Namibia, a background that provides valuable skills in partnership building, strategic planning, and program coordination. She has continued to strengthen her expertise through additional training programs focused on conservation leadership, community engagement and nonprofit development.
Her leadership potential has already been recognized internationally. Lorna is currently one of six participants in the Rising Wildlife Leaders Rhino Cohort, a three-year leadership initiative run by the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) and Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN). The program supports emerging conservation professionals from across the globe who are working on the front lines to protect rhinos. Through mentorship, training and collaboration, the program helps equip participants like Lorna with the skills and networks needed to lead the next generation of conservation efforts.
In addition to her work supporting field programs, Lorna is passionate about expanding opportunities for women in conservation. Across many conservation landscapes, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles and field positions. Lorna believes that empowering women to participate fully in conservation work strengthens both communities and conservation outcomes. By serving as a role model for other young women interested in the field, she hopes to help open doors for future generations of female conservation leaders.
Despite the challenges facing rhinos across Africa, including poaching pressure, habitat loss and climate-related changes, Lorna remains optimistic. Her vision for the future is rooted in collaboration and community empowerment. She believes that conservation succeeds when local people are recognized as partners and stewards of the landscapes they call home.
As Lorna puts it, her goal is clear: to help build a future where wildlife and rural communities coexist and thrive together. Through her dedication, leadership and growing influence within Namibia’s conservation community, Lorna Dax is helping turn that vision into reality.