
On a recent visit to Woodridge Preparatory School, Dr William Fowlds, an internationally acclaimed conservationist and wildlife veterinarian, captivated students and staff with his emotional and deeply personal account of the rhino poaching crisis in South Africa. His story, beginning with the tragic rescue of a rhino named Thandi, has since become a symbol of hope and inspiration in the global fight to protect these majestic creatures.
Dr Fowlds first encountered Thandi in 2012, under devastating circumstances. The rhino had been brutally mutilated by poachers who removed her horn, leaving her to die in a remote part of the Kariega Game Reserve. With severe injuries and a seemingly hopeless future, Thandi defied the odds and fought to survive. Her resilience became an inspiring tale of strength and hope.
Through the tireless efforts of Dr Fowlds and his team, Thandi underwent numerous surgeries, skin grafts, and other life-saving treatments. Her recovery was far from easy, but after three years, she not only survived but went on to give birth to a healthy baby rhino named Thembi - an extraordinary testament to her strength and the power of hope. Since her remarkable recovery, Thandi has become a symbol of resilience in the fight against rhino poaching. As of 2025, we are confident that Thandi will give birth to her 6th calf, continuing her legacy as a beacon of hope for conservation efforts worldwide.
However, despite such victories, Dr Fowlds painted a daunting picture of the current poaching crisis. Rhino poaching has surged, with the number of rhinos killed now more than twice the rate in 2012. This illegal activity has far-reaching consequences, not just for rhinos but for South Africa’s entire ecosystem, local communities, economy, and its vital tourism industry, which relies heavily on the Big Five to draw visitors from around the globe.
“The brutality of poaching has to stop,” Dr. Fowlds urged. “We need to educate people around the world about the crisis we’re facing and emphasize the vital role rhinos play in preserving the entire ecosystem.”
Woodridge Preparatory School raised over R30,000 last year for the One Land Love It (OLLI) project, a conservation initiative dedicated to protecting endangered rhinos. These funds will further efforts to combat poaching, support wildlife protection programs, and raise awareness through educational campaigns.
Woodridge also supports the South African short film, The Last Ranger, which has been nominated for an Oscar this year. This film highlights the devastating effects of rhino poaching on wildlife and the broader economy, serving as a powerful reminder of the urgency to protect these endangered species. Its release is expected to make a significant global impact, further motivating the fight against poaching.
Watch the trailer here: https://www.kindredfilms.org/the-last-ranger?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1Jh2cvkHG6Hnd45a1MoBRoZuxWnoMdWVukMTUV-opWBKuPB4VutuYtAZo_aem_4Gg0l2qw8JQLaElNAqabgQ
Dr Fowlds’ presentation was a call to action. He stressed that rhino poaching is not just a South African issue - it’s a global one. The international community must unite to safeguard these iconic creatures before they become extinct.
One of the most innovative developments in rhino conservation has been the integration of cutting-edge AI technology to track rhinos and monitor their behaviour. This new technology includes sophisticated tracking devices, often compared to a "Rhino Apple Watch," which provide real-time data to anti-poaching units. These devices help ensure rhinos are safely monitored and protected, offering an additional layer of security in the fight against poaching. However, all these protective measures come at a significant cost, requiring substantial investment in technology, resources, and manpower.
Woodridge Preparatory School’s dedication to environmental conservation and wildlife protection continues to inspire action within its community. With the support of conservationists like Dr Fowlds and the help of innovative technologies, there is hope for the future of rhinos and the ecosystems they help sustain.
For more information on how you can contribute to the fight against rhino poaching or to learn more about the One Land Love It project, Wilderness Foundation, and The Last Ranger film, please visit their official websites.
https://www.oneland.co.za/ | https://wildernessfoundation.co.za/ | https://worldwideexperience.com/vets-go-wild/ | https://www.medivetgroup.com/about-medivet/animal-welfare/save-the-rhino/
Woodridge Preparatory School remains committed to developing compassionate, aware, and responsible citizens, educating its students on the importance of protecting wildlife and conserving the environment for generations to come.