Rhino Momma Project: Auction raises N$177 000 for rhino conservation

The annual Rhino Momma Project auction, hosted at the Outjo Wildsfees to support rhino conservation and environmental education, has once again proven its importance in the fight to save Namibia’s iconic wildlife. This year’s event raised N$177 000, a significant contribution toward rhino protection and the continuation of one of the country’s most ambitious breeding initiatives.The project was founded by Jaco Muller in 2010 in the Kunene Region. What started as a school project idea from his then 15-year-old son has grown into one of Namibia’s largest privately run rhino breeding programmes. The mission is clear: to breed as many rhinos as possible to help repopulate Namibia and Africa with this threatened species.Since the birth of the first calf in 2013, the project has celebrated over 160 rhino births. However, with success has come rising challenges, particularly from poaching. Namibia saw a devastating spike in poaching cases in 2024, with over 100 rhinos poached. As a result, anti-poaching has become the project’s single largest expense.Muller said that most auction funds go directly into efforts like aerial surveillance using gyrocopters and drones, as well as vehicle and foot patrols conducted around the clock. The team also routinely de-horns rhinos, a controversial but necessary measure to deter poachers. "Even if the animal doesn’t look natural anymore, at least they’re safer," Muller said.This year’s auction, in partnership with Moria Private School, provides much-needed financial support. Funds are shared between the Rhino Momma Project and the school, which plays an active role in promoting conservation education.Tourism supporting wildlife protectionThe project also operates Kifaru Lodge, a tourism establishment built in 2018 to fund conservation efforts. Tourism revenue helps offset the high costs of rhino care and security, integrating eco-tourism and wildlife protection into a sustainable model for rhino conservation.The Rhino Momma Project has also sent rhinos to regions like Texas, with a similar climate, as part of a broader effort to establish buffer populations outside Africa. "The Arabian oryx was saved through similar efforts," says Muller.Muller believes that legalising rhino horn trade could be a game changer. He argues that a legal market would reduce prices, making poaching unprofitable. "Right now, only poachers make money from horns," Muller says, comparing it to shearing sheep. "Legal trade could fund protection efforts more effectively."Despite the challenges, Muller remains optimistic. His vision is for future generations to see rhinos not only in reserves but roaming freely across Africa, safe from danger. "If we want to see rhinos all over Africa again, we need to give them value," he concludes.Supporters can follow the Rhino Momma Project’s progress on Facebook, Instagram, and at rhinomomma.com.

Rhino Momma Project: Auction raises N$177 000 for rhino conservation

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Rhino Momma Project: Auction raises N$177 000 for rhino conservation

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