Prince William and The Royal Foundation have released a new episode of their docuseries "Guardians", spotlighting rangers protecting rhinos in South Africa's Kruger National Park.
The episode, which launched today, forms part of a groundbreaking series showcasing the unsung heroes working on the frontline of nature protection and conservation.
The latest instalment reveals how rangers in the world-famous park work tirelessly to combat poaching threats whilst caring for orphaned rhino calves.
The series, conceived by Prince William, who provides narration for the trailer and episode introductions, aims to transform perceptions of modern rangers.
Prince William releases powerful new episode spotlighting rhino rangers risking their lives in South Africa.
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It seeks to drive recognition for their vital yet often misunderstood work protecting the planet. Each episode focuses on different ranger communities worldwide and the unique challenges they face in safeguarding endangered species and fragile ecosystems.
With just over 2,000 white rhinos and approximately 250 black rhinos remaining in Kruger National Park, the species faces potential extinction within decades if poaching continues unchecked. Rangers confront increasingly sophisticated and heavily armed poacher gangs who employ tactics ranging from tracking rangers to exploiting their families and local communities for information.
Cathy Dreyer, Kruger's first female Head Ranger, emphasised the gravity of their mission: "For us, losing even a single rhino is too much. A modern-day ranger has to be resilient and mentally strong; you never know what a poacher will do when they are confronted, and often they are willing to shoot rangers."
She added: "Every time there is an armed contact, you really hold your breath and you're relieved when you hear that no rangers have been injured. But when you do lose someone, it really humbles you. People forget that behind the rangers are a family, sitting at home, who are also aware of these dangers."
A ranger greeting a rhino in the latest episode of Guardians.
The Royal Foundation / Zandland
Prince William voiced his personal connection to the rangers' cause, stating: "I've had the privilege of meeting a number of rangers throughout my life and have seen firsthand the vital work they do.
"Yet their stories are often overlooked or misunderstood. The reality is that protecting our natural world has become one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet."
He continued: "We need to understand and recognise Nature's Guardians, and the critical work they do. The rangers we meet in this series are an inspiration to us all."
The Prince emphasised their multifaceted role: "As they work to protect our oceans, our forests, our plains, our mountains and biodiversity, they are also educating, community building and furthering science. These are the unsung heroes, the true Guardians of the natural world."
William is spotlighting rhino rangers risking their lives in South Africa.
The Royal Foundation / Zandland
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PAThe episode also highlights sanctuaries like Care for Wild, which provide crucial lifelines for orphaned rhino calves. Caregivers including Falicia and Lukas dedicate themselves to rehabilitating animals like RiRi, a black rhino who arrived in 2023 after poachers killed its mother.
Falicia expressed hope for change: "I have hope that one day the poachers will change, that maybe one day the communities will see that these animals are good, that they deserve to live."
The series, co-produced with award-winning studio Zandland, features ranger communities from the Central African Republic, India's Himalayas, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, Sri Lanka and Brazil's Caru Indigenous Land. Episodes are available weekly on BBC Earth's YouTube and social channels, with screenings at Adventure Cinema locations across the UK.
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