International Rhino Foundation

Rhinos represent some of the largest vertebrates ever to roam the earth. Most rhino species are facing a global extinction crisis due to human persecution in the form of poaching for its horn.  Addressing the crisis, the Black Rhino Foundation was formed in the late 1980’s to help black rhino conservation efforts in Zimbabwe, Africa.  The organization subsequently evolved and became the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) in 1993.  With a strategy to employ intensive management and protection schemes, the IRF is dedicated to the conservation of the world’s five remaining rhino species, including both in- range country and in-captive conservation programs.

For centuries, zoos have displayed wild-caught rhinos as popular exhibit animals. However, challenges to captive breeding of all the rhino species have only been recently addressed in the last two decades. Those involved in captive rhino programs recognized the need and potential to support rhino conservation in the field.The IRF has been the conduit, linking captive breeding and research efforts to rhino management, research, and conservation projects in range states, and providing critical logistical and financial support for managers of rhino populations in Africa and Asia.

White Oak Conservation Center (WOCC), the parent organization of Gilman International Conservation (GIC), has been a leader in rhino captive breeding, and in research efforts to understand the biology of the species in addressing particular health and management issues.

Along with several partners and zoos, WOCC is a founding member of the IRF, and has served and led the IRF Board of Directors since its inception.  WOCC hosts the office for IRF and its Executive Director, and provides professional support for the organization, as well as hosting the annual board meetings. GIC provides significant levels of annual funding for global rhino conservation projects, channeled through the IRF.  This currently includes: the Selous Black Rhino Conservation Project in Tanzania, protecting the largest remaining wild population of black rhino in this East African county; the Sumatran Rhino Protection Units in Indonesia; the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary in Way Kambas, Sumatra; and the Sumatran Rhino Conservation Medicine Program based at the Cornell University Vet School.