History of the International Rhino Foundation
During the late 1980s, Zimbabwe’s black rhino populations were decreasing at an alarming rate due to intense, organized poaching. In 1989, a group of concerned individuals and institutions founded the Black Rhino Foundation to assist in the conservation of black rhinos in Zimbabwe both through efforts in the wild and in zoos. In part, because of the International Black Rhino Foundation’s support, poaching was virtually eliminated and black rhino populations began to stabilize. In most areas throughout the species’ range, black rhino populations now are increasing.
In 1993, in response to the escalating crisis facing all five rhino species, the International Black Rhino Foundation evolved into the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) and expanded its mission to encompass all five species. The IRF is involved in programs both in nature and in captivity, both of which IRF believes are critical for the survival of rhinos. The IRF focuses on the species most in need of, and most appropriate for, intensive protection and management. IRF focuses its projects where conservation will have its most significant impact, and when possible, is a catalyst and facilitator rather than a primary implementer. Additionally, the IRF provides linkages between captive and wild populations of rhinos, with the ultimate objective of helping captive populations become truly viable and hence an integral part of conservation strategies for rhinos.
The International Rhino Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors who generously contribute time and financial resources to its efforts. IRF maintains a very small staff. IRF’s lean structure allows more than 85% of its funds to go directly to its field programs in Africa and Asia. The IRF Program Office is based at the White Oak Conservation Center (Florida, USA), a research and conservation center for endangered wildlife.
The International Rhino Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors who generously contribute time and financial resources to its efforts. IRF maintains a very small staff. IRF’s lean structure allows more than 85% of its funds to go directly to its field programs in Africa and Asia. The IRF Program Office is based at the White Oak Conservation Center (Florida, USA), a research and conservation center for endangered wildlife.
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