Info@impiconservationfund.com | +27 65 150 6425 | Cape Town, South Africa
OUR WORK
“Humans are just one of five million species on the planet. The future of endangered species and the future of humanity are intrinsically linked.”
- Dr Ian Player
DEHORNING
We are proud to contribute towards ongoing dehorning projects throughout our area of operation.
What is dehorning, and why is it necessary?
Dehorning involves safely removing most of a rhino’s horns (the anterior horn, front, and the posterior horn, back) under sedation by trained veterinarians. The horn is made of keratin (like human nails), so it can regrow over time, meaning the process must be repeated every 1–2 years.
Why it’s effective against poaching:
Reduces value: Rhino horns are the primary reason poachers target rhinos. Removing the horn makes the animal far less valuable on the illegal market.
Deters opportunistic poachers: Many poachers prefer targets with the highest reward for the least risk—dehorned rhinos are less attractive.
Lowers mortality rates:
In areas where dehorning is consistently applied alongside security measures, rhino killings have been shown to decrease.
Dehorning isn’t a complete solution. It works best when combined with strong anti-poaching patrols, intelligence networks, and community involvement.
RHINO ORPHANS
We are a proud partner of the Zululand Rhino Orphanage and have contributed over a period of years towards the day-to-day expenses of the rhino orphans in their care.
Why do rhino orphanages exist?
Rhino orphanages exist as a direct response to poaching, where calves are left alone after their mothers are killed for their horns.
These facilities provide urgent rescue, veterinary care, and round-the-clock protection for vulnerable young rhinos, giving them a second chance at survival.
Beyond rehabilitation, orphanages play a critical role in conservation by raising calves until they can be safely reintroduced into protected wild areas, helping to rebuild populations and safeguard the future of this iconic species.
We are extremely proud of our ongoing partnership with the Zululand Rhino Orphanage.
EMERGENCY INTERVENTIONS
Our emergency fund is made available at short notice to support the treatment of injured animals whenever we are called upon.
This vital funding helps veterinarians and field teams respond to human–wildlife conflict, snaring, and, most crucially, active rhino poaching incidents or orphan retrievals—giving wounded rhinos and other affected wildlife the best possible chance of survival and recovery.
Maintaining a healthy balance in our emergency fund is vital to ensuring that we can respond swiftly and effectively to incidents of poaching and other forms of injured wildlife.
WILDLIFE MONITORING & MAINTENANCE OF CRITIAL EQUIPMENT
When called upon, we step in and assist with the day to day expenses of priority species monitoring teams and the critical equipment that they rely upon.
From fuel expenses and vehicle maintenance to fence repairs and upgrading ranger equipment, we back the essential systems that allow frontline teams to protect vulnerable wildlife every day.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
People and nature must thrive together.
Alongside our donors & partners, we work closely with local communities to create awareness, education, and opportunities that connect livelihoods to environmental health.
By telling stories of Africa’s wildlife, wild places, and the people who defend them—through events and strategic campaigns—we aim to educate and inspire local communities that understand the value of wild spaces and stand behind their protection.
