RHINO MAN
WAYS TO WATCH
7 Awards, 3 Nominations, 20+ Festivals.
“RHINO MAN HIGHLIGHTS THE IMMENSE DEBT WE OWE TO RANGERS, THE TRUE HEROES IN OUR EFFORTS TO PROTECT THE WORLD'S WILDLIFE."
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder
The Jane Goodall Institute
And UN Messenger of Hope
THE MOVIE
a film by Global Conservation Corps produced by Friendly Human
RHINO MAN is an award-winning doc about the courageous rangers who risk their lives to protect South Africa's rhinos from poaching syndicates.
We follow Anton Mzimba, the head ranger of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, as he and his team battle to protect the rhinos. Anton faces long deployments away from family, dangerous working conditions, and constant threats to his life.
Nearby, a legendary trainer, Ruben de Kock, laments the loss of his best friend and business partner, as he and his wife, Marianne, struggle to take a group of 41 candidates through a rigorous ranger selection at the Southern African Wildlife College.
It's a race to inspire the next generation to care for the rhinos and the natural world, before poachers and habitat loss wipe out one species after another. Greed, desperation, and violence are met with an even stronger set of forces. Those of love, dedication, and a willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for a better future.
THE PODCAST
The Rhino Man Podcast features in-depth, long-form conversations with the subjects of the film along with top conservationists from around the world. It continues the story beyond the screen diving into the topics of rhinos, rangers, illegal wildlife trade, and the importance of community engagement. Hosted by filmmaker John Jurko II, the lead producer and director of RHINO MAN.
FEATURINGWOMEN OF CONSERVATION
(Click to Listen)
THE POSTER
We’re excited to reveal our beautiful movie poster, which will represent RHINO MAN as we bring the film to the world . The poster features the hero of our film, ranger Anton Mzimba, surrounded by endangered black rhinos.
We hope this poster will draw people in and make them curious to learn more about the film, the life of a ranger, and what they can do to support rangers worldwide.
A massive thank you goes out to the inimitable artist Marcel van Luit, for creating such a stunning image. Please check out his enchanting art at marcelvanluit.com.
Another big thank you goes out to photographer Emma Gatland for taking this epic photo of Anton, which has been incorporated into this work of art. View her work at emmagatland.com.
SOCIAL IMPACT CAMPAIGN
THE ISSUE
Rhinos are being poached at such a rapid rate that they could soon go extinct in the wild. Rangers are their final line of defense, yet many lack the support needed to carry out this heroic mission.
SPECIES IN CRISIS
Before the 18th century, over 500,000 rhinos roamed Africa and Asia. By 1970, rhino numbers dropped to 70,000, and today, around 27,000 rhinos remain in the wild. Very few rhinos survive outside of national parks and reserves due to persistent poaching and habitat loss over many decades. On top of that, the 2020 global Living Planet Index shows an average 68% fall in monitored vertebrate species populations between 1970 and 2016.
WORLD WILDLIFE FUND
RANGERS STEP IN
Rangers are the backbone of global biodiversity management and protection. They patrol on land and sea through extreme weather and tough terrain, putting their lives on the line. Rangers protect the places that give us clean air, water, food, fertile soil, medicines, and a stable climate. Ultimately, they save species, generate tourism, and advance livelihoods worldwide. These unsung heroes are our planet’s greatest guardians.
UNIVERSAL RANGER SUPPORT ALLIANCE
LACKING SUPPORT
Rangers are lacking in proper training, appropriate working conditions, adequate pay and benefits, government and legal support, and recognition for their heroic efforts. Only 50% of rangers report that they have adequate supplies or uniforms. Nearly 50% do not have access to clean drinking water. In the last 10 years 1,175 rangers have died on the job. Rangers earn less than other frontline workers like police officers and firefighters. Yet we ask them to work tirelessly for our planet.
LIFE ON THE FRONTLINE 2019TAKE ACTION
Without properly trained and cared for rangers we will continue to lose rhinos along with many other species and important habitats at a rapid rate. Learn what you can do to make a difference today.