What We Do
Protecting Wilderness. Preserving Species.
A focused effort to secure a future for Namibia’s white rhinos and their wild habitats.
The History Of Habitat For Rhino
Founding and Vision
Habitat for Rhino was established in June 2014 as a deeply personal initiative, born from a shared commitment to conservation and the desire to give back to the African wilderness that had shaped and sustained our lives. The idea was originally conceived by my wife, Pauline Hurt, whose lifelong connection to Africa’s landscapes and wildlife inspired a meaningful way to protect and preserve its endangered species.
While our conservation efforts in Tanzania had long been rooted in community-based models—most notably through the Robin Hurt Wildlife Foundation, which supports village communities living alongside wildlife—in Namibia, the context was different. The area we reside in is devoid of permanent human settlements, presenting a unique conservation opportunity. With no village partnerships to anchor the initiative, Habitat for Rhino was created as a dedicated project under the umbrella of Robin Hurt Safaris, focused solely on the protection and recovery of one of Africa’s most iconic and endangered species: the white rhino.
“Conservation begins with love—for the land, for the species, and for the silent spaces that still exist in this world. Habitat for Rhino is our promise to protect what cannot speak for itself. We owe that to the wild, and to those who will come after us.” — Robin Hurt
Early Years and Growth
The project began modestly in 2014 with the introduction of five white rhinos, all of Namibian origin. Their acquisition was made possible through the generous support of conservation-minded donors: Ross Perot Jr., Fred Mannix, and ourselves Robin and Pauline Hurt. This added to the already successful rhino conservation projects on other private land holdings, approved and encouraged by the far-sighted attitude of the Namibian Government. Now managed by Pauline’s son Dan and his wife Jana, with daily patrols conducted by our dedicated anti-poaching team, the project has grown.
Over the past decade, the rhino population within Habitat for Rhino has grown to 14 individuals under our care. This growth, while encouraging, has not come without hardship. In 2018, we tragically lost a young calf in a freak accident when it fell into a rocky crevice. More recently, in October 2022, we suffered the devastating loss of a young bull our beloved Kirby, to poaching—an ever-present threat to rhinos across the continent. These losses underscore the challenges we face, but also strengthen our resolve to continue protecting these vulnerable animals.
Land and Environment
The project began with 24,000 acres of unfenced private land—offering rhinos the freedom to roam in a secure, natural environment. Carefully managed and continuously protected, this wild terrain provides ideal conditions for the species to live, breed, and recover.
Through strong partnerships and visionary leadership, the conservation area has expanded significantly. Today, over 70,000 acres of connected wilderness are under protection, including 27,000 acres specifically designated for free-ranging rhino habitat. This landscape now safeguards not only rhino, but the rich biodiversity that depends on these intact ecosystems to survive.
Recognition and Awards
Our efforts have been acknowledged internationally. Habitat for Rhino has been honoured twice with the prestigious “Ox of the Okavango” Award from the African Professional Hunters Association, recognising outstanding commitment to conservation. Additionally, we were awarded the Great British Shooting Award for Outstanding Contribution to Conservation, an accolade that highlights the impact and importance of our work on a global stage. The " CAPSTICK AWARD " was presented to Robin and Pauline Hurt in 2020 by Fiona Capstick and Dallas Safari Club ( in memory of Peter Capstick ) for their conservation efforts with the project.
Legacy and Commitment
As we mark over a decade since the project’s inception, Habitat for Rhino continues to stand as a testament to what determined individuals, working together with a shared purpose, can achieve. It is a legacy of respect for the land, for the species we protect, and for the future generations who deserve to witness Africa’s wild beauty. We remain steadfast in our mission: to ensure the survival of Namibia’s white rhinos and to protect the wilderness they call home.
We would like to acknowledge Conservation Force, led by John and Chrissie Jackson, who have been valued partners in our rhino conservation efforts in Namibia for over a decade, as well as in our community wildlife projects in Tanzania for the past 30 years. Conservation Force is a 501(c)(3) registered U.S. charity, allowing for tax-deductible contributions for U.S. residents. Further information is available upon request.