African Parks

For many years African Parks has worked with governments and local communities to ensure that protected habitats and their vital ecosystems are safeguarded for the future. The Riester Foundation proudly supports African Parks’ current program goal of releasing 2,000 Southern White Rhinos, raised in a private breeding operation in South Africa, into preserves throughout the African continent where they can thrive.

The long-term goal is to “rewild” these rhinos over a ten year period to well-managed and secure areas, helping to achieve a positive future for this vulnerable species.

The Southern White Rhino was close to extinction 100 years ago. Thankfully, through intensive conservation efforts the population totals more than 10,000 today. However, the species is still under extreme pressure because of the recent unfortunate rise in poaching of their horns for illegal wildlife trade.

The effort to secure the future of the White Rhino reflects the mission of the Riester Foundation of protecting threatened species, promoting habitat restoration, and encouraging sustainability.