With no playbook and high risks, South African vets came together to perform a procedure never done before… and gave Houdini his breath back.

Pretoria, South Africa (25 May 2025) – You don’t get a name like Houdini without surviving the impossible… and this four-year-old white rhino has done just that. Not once, but twice.

Years after surviving a brutal poaching attack that left him with a bullet wound through the nose, Houdini faced a new battle: he was slowly losing the ability to breathe. What started as a quiet struggle turned into a life-threatening condition and his carers knew something had to be done. Urgently. Thankfully, a remarkable team of veterinary specialists at the University of Pretoria stepped in, performing a groundbreaking six-hour surgery that gave this rhino a second shot at life. And every breath since has been nothing short of a miracle.

“This is a major problem for rhinos,” said Dr Bester. “Unlike humans, they can only breathe through their noses, and their sense of smell is essential for survival. For Houdini, this wasn’t just a breathing issue – it threatened his quality of life.”

Dr Bester conducted a nasal endoscopy and discovered pink-coloured tissue obstructing Houdini’s right nasal passage. The case was serious and way beyond what could be handled in the bush. So he referred Houdini to Professor Gerhard Steenkamp, a veterinary specialist in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Pretoria’s Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital.

A CT scan painted a grim picture: Houdini’s entire right nasal passage was blocked and the obstruction was creeping into the left side too. The bullet that tore through his nose years ago had caused abnormal bone growth, compounding the issue and making every breath a struggle.

Initially, a low-invasive laser surgery was considered but the lesion was too large. The team, including Prof Steenkamp and equine surgery expert Dr Elza Hollenbach, knew that the only option left was an open surgery, a bold move that came with enormous risk.

“We knew we had to act fast,” Prof Steenkamp said. “This wasn’t just about clearing a nasal passage; it was about giving Houdini back his ability to live a normal life.”

But it wasn’t just the surgery that was complex, the anaesthesia was equally daunting. Houdini’s already compromised breathing meant any sedation would be tricky and rhinos are notoriously sensitive under anaesthesia.

Even healthy animals can suffer from serious complications while sedated due to their sheer size and physiology.

Dr Jacques O’Dell, a wildlife vet, along with a specialist anaesthesiology team led by Dr Abdur Kadwa, took on the challenge. They implemented a rare and innovative method called haemodilution, essentially collecting and saving Houdini’s own blood while replacing it temporarily with IV fluids, so that if bleeding occurred, he could be “transfused” with his own blood.

“This method hasn’t been reported in rhinos before,” said Dr Kadwa. “But it has been used in horses, dogs, and cats. To our knowledge, it’s the first time it’s been applied in South Africa, and possibly the world.”

After five hours and 55 minutes under anaesthetic, and a highly delicate surgery that involved cutting into the side of Houdini’s face, the team successfully removed the obstruction.

Houdini was gently moved to a specialised boma where he recovered under the watchful eyes of Dr O’Dell, veterinary students, and the wider Onderstepoort team. Just days later, the little survivor was up and about and by the end of the week, ready to go home.

“Seeing him walk out of the boma, breathing freely again, was an emotional moment for all of us,” said Prof Steenkamp. “He’s a fighter, and he’s earned every breath.”

This isn’t just a story about a rhino. It’s a story about resilience, innovation and what’s possible when people come together to do something extraordinary. It’s a reminder of the fragility of our wildlife and the power we have to help protect it.

And for Houdini, every breath he takes now is a breath filled with hope.

Sources: University of Pretoria 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Shannon Elizabeth walked away from Hollywood fame to fight for something far bigger than the big screen: the survival of endangered wildlife in Africa.

Western Cape, South Africa (13 April 2025) – It’s not every day a Hollywood star swaps film sets for the African bush… but Shannon Elizabeth did exactly that.

Best known for her role in American Pie (and Scary Movie, and Love Actually, and Jay and Silent Bob), she stepped away from the glitz and glamour to protect some of the planet’s most vulnerable animals. Now, her spotlight shines on rhinos, conservation and a mission rooted in real impact.

But this isn’t a new phase or a fleeting passion project. It’s been over two decades in the making.

Back in 2001, while still living in Los Angeles, Shannon started Animal Avengers, a non-profit focused on dog and cat rescue.

“I started looking at dog and cat rescues in LA because dogs were what I knew,” she explained on the Life Outside Poker podcast.

“I realised I want to make my own organisation and, over time, I just wanted to help out more animals on a bigger scale.”

And so began her evolution from pet rescue to conservation trailblazer. Over the years, as her awareness of broader conservation challenges deepened, especially the growing poaching crisis in Africa, Shannon began shifting her focus from domestic animals to endangered wildlife. She took the leap, did the research, visited Africa and eventually made the decision that would change everything: she moved to Cape Town in 2016.

A bold move? Absolutely. But one with incredible impact.

By 2018, she officially launched The Shannon Elizabeth Foundation (SEF) in South Africa, carrying forward her mission with renewed purpose. SEF now champions wildlife conservation through a multi-pronged approach that includes Education & Awareness, Youth Empowerment, Law & Legislation and Land & Community. And yes, Animal Avengers still exists and is now forming part of the foundation’s youth empowerment work.

“We’re building a sanctuary,” Shannon shared at a recent event in Pittsburgh.

“We have a blind black rhino we’ve been taking care of and we’re going to bring in more rhinos as soon as we can do an expansion.”

That blind black rhino is Munu, and his story is nothing short of extraordinary.

In 2019, Munu was discovered wandering helplessly in Addo Elephant National Park. Completely blind and vulnerable, he was in serious danger. With lions circling, it was only a matter of time. But conservationist Brett Barlow stepped in, refusing to let Munu become another heartbreaking statistic. He got Munu to safety… and eventually into the care of Shannon and her team.

Munu isn’t just any rhino. He’s a South-western Black Rhino, one of the rarest subspecies in the world, and he now lives under the careful, loving eye of the SEF team. He’s safe. Protected. And loved.

And soon, his story will be shared with the world.

Shannon is currently working on a documentary titled “Munu – A Rhino Love Story,” which explores not only Munu’s journey but the urgent need for conservation work like hers.

It’s a story of resilience, of humans stepping up and of the deep connections that can form between species, even when the world stops watching.

“It was really fun,” Shannon reflected on her acting career. “I love acting and I love creating… but I’m just really grateful that I had that opportunity and could create some things that people seem to like.”

She hasn’t left creativity behind, she’s simply channelled it into something that might just change the world. Because sometimes, the biggest roles we play aren’t on-screen, they’re the ones that make a difference long after the credits roll.

Sources: Shannon Elizabeth Foundation 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Mpumalanga, South Africa (20 January 2025) – South Africa’s courts have once again delivered a strong blow against rhino poaching, sentencing a 51-year-old Congolese poacher and money launderer to 18 years in prison.

This ruling, handed down by the Middelburg Regional Court, is part of a growing trend of tough penalties for those who exploit and endanger the nation’s vulnerable wildlife.

While an 18-year sentence is not unprecedented in the fight against poaching, it remains a significant milestone. Over the years, South African courts have consistently handed out increasingly harsh penalties to reflect the severity of these crimes.

From the 25-year sentences given to the infamous “Ndlovu Gang” in 2019 to the staggering 52-year sentence (34 years to be served) imposed on a poacher in 2022, the message is clear: wildlife crimes will not be tolerated.

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr Dion George, praised the latest sentencing as a step forward in the country’s zero-tolerance stance on poaching.

“I can assure South Africans that poachers’ reign of terror on South African wildlife is coming to an end,” George said.

“The sentence imposed on the Congolese poacher is indicative of our renewed zero-tolerance stance on all forms of poaching.”

The poacher’s activities in the Kruger National Park were part of a larger syndicate that bribed local rangers for information, highlighting the challenges of corruption within conservation efforts. Nevertheless, the Minister reaffirmed his support for the dedicated rangers who continue to risk their lives to protect South Africa’s iconic species.

“These few bad apple rangers and locals will not taint the great work done by the many dedicated rangers we have working our parks. South Africans should continue to support the rangers who put their lives at risk and remain committed to protecting our country’s vulnerable wildlife,” he emphasised.

Recent years have shown a consistent pattern of severe punishments for rhino poaching crimes, from 12-year sentences for conspiracy and illegal firearms possession to 20-year terms for poaching in protected reserves. These rulings reflect the judiciary’s acknowledgment of the critical role rhinos play in South Africa’s ecosystem and economy and the urgent need to safeguard them for future generations.

By opposing bail for poachers and aggressively pursuing syndicate members, the government is sending a clear message: poaching is an act of economic sabotage and will be met with the full weight of the law.

Although the battle against poaching is far from over, every significant sentence reaffirms South Africa’s dedication to protecting its wildlife.

As courts continue to impose harsher penalties and conservation efforts receive renewed support, there is hope that future generations will inherit a world where rhinos roam freely and safely, untouched by greed.

Sources: SA Government 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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In news, we can all give a round of applause: South African short film ‘The Last Ranger’ has been shortlisted for the 2025 Oscars!

Johannesburg, South Africa (19 December 2024) — In standing ovation-worthy news for the South African film industry, local production The Last Ranger has been shortlisted for the 2025 Oscars!

The short isiXhosa film will compete against 15 other contenders for the Best Live Action Short Film category at the 97th Academy Awards.

“To have an isiXhosa film about rhino poaching in the running for an Oscar makes me so proud,” said the film’s director Cindy Lee. “This film is unique and deserves to go all the way.”

Produced by Kindred Films and supported by Executive Producer Anele Mdoda of Rose and Oaks Media, The Last Ranger tells the goosebump-inducing story of a young and wild Litha (Liyabona Mroqoza) and her life-changing journey through a game reserve as guided by the last remaining ranger, Khuseka (Avumile Qongqo).

The journey through the grasslands of the reserve quickly changes tempo from awe-filled to tragic when the young girl and her ranger guide are ambushed by poachers. This twist ignites a battle to protect the rhinos and forges a pathway to a devastating secret.

Beyond recognition from the literal Oscars, the film has also welcomed a presence to be reckoned with in the international film festival circuit. It has received numerous accolades and awards, not least because of its powerful performances but also because of the heart-tugging narrative.

Thanks to the film’s rise in reputation, the South African film industry gets to gleam on the global stage once again. And with conservation at the forefront, this time with our precious rhinos in mind, all of SA can be enormously proud of the calibre of stories we are telling to the biggest audiences.

Watch: ‘The Last Ranger’

Sources: Supplied 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Philippa the Rhino is now a proud mom of two! A poaching survivor, Phillipa’s family is a striking reminder that when you save one rhino, you’re actually saving a lot more than just one life!

Hoedspruit, South Africa (29 October 2024) — It’s no small deal when any rhino brings a small calf into the world. But for a rhino like Philippa—who is a poaching survivor—the news of a new little one on the scene was even more significant for those who helped the proud mom’s rescue and rehabilitation many years before.

Philippa is now an official mom to two. Her youngest, a little calf who is said to have been following mom all over the show this month, marks something of a full circle moment for this rhino family—a family that might not have continued at all if the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) hadn’t stepped in!

Back in 2016, Philippa’s mother was killed while she was pregnant. A little Philippa could do nothing; she had also been attacked by poachers to the point that her whole sinus cavity was left open.

Her arrival at HESC called for a lot of attention. The team recalled how heartbroken they were to see her physical state. But, there was not just a victim in their midst. There was a brave fighter. As such, Philippa’s name was given to her in honour of two other brave women—Jabulani owner Adine Roodt’s grandmother Phillippina and Phillipa Kort, who was a representative for Jabulani in the USA.

Jabulani is the same herd that elephants who graduate from HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development) AKA, the Elephant Orphanage, go to when they are released back into the protected wild. But there is also room for rhinos on Team Jabulani!

Philippa underwent a lot of treatment—much of which she put up a good game of hide and seek to avoid. By the time her wound had healed, it was time for another mending—that of her heart.

Philippa and rescued rhino Ike hit it off instantly after they were introduced to the same living space. Both were survivors, and both needed each other.

All these years later and they have their own family to be proud of! Better still, all of us have proof that when you save one rhino, you save a lot more than just one life.

Sources: Jabulani Newsletter

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary’s darling rhino, Daisy, recently received a special visit from none other than Siya Kolisi and Kwagga Smith! As it turns out, the Boks back the rhinos as much as South Africa backs the Boks:

South Africa (02 October 2024) — From larger-than-life rugby fans who will move heaven and earth to watch a game live to little ones who couldn’t imagine anything more special than meeting the Boks in person, the Springboks are at the top of the list when it comes to matters that hold a space in South African hearts. But, when it comes to who holds a special place in the Boks’ hearts, South Africans compete with an extra special group—the rhinos part of Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary!

You might know Care for Wild for many incredible rhino-led feel-good stories in conservation. Well, so do the Springboks.

In a special shoutout to the Boks ahead of their victory game against Argentina last weekend, Care for Wild told their audience something special.

“Whenever they’re in the area, the Springboks always make time to check in on our rhino orphans, showing a deep understanding of the power of raising global awareness for conservation,” shared the Sanctuary.

“Like us, they are fiercely passionate about the fight to save rhinos from extinction,” they added.

After the Boks’ triumph, one of their first stops was to none other than Care for Wild, where Siya Kolisi and Kwagga Smith made an early morning pitstop just to visit darling rhino, Daisy!

For Siya and Daisy, it was nothing short of a heartwarming reunion.

“Siya first met Daisy when she was just a few months old, and she immediately connected to him, gravitating toward his calm and compassionate energy. Daisy holds a special place in his heart and Daisy still remembers him!” Care for Wild explained.

“The future of rhinos is a shared responsibility, and having a team like the Springboks standing with us is truly game-changing. Stronger together!” 

You can find out more about all the Sanctuary’s incredible work that’s giving our rhinos a more hopeful future here.

Sources: Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Students from St Mary DSG Kloof have created an upcycled rhino that’s pretty in plastic and are proud to be a part of an important initiative!

Kloof, South Africa (26 September 2024) — From a humble wire-frame structure to sitting pretty in plastic, Mary the Rhino artwork is an upcycled marvel!

While much of the St Mary DSG creation may consist of plastic, her message is anything but shallow. Mary is one of many rhinos—that were wire-framed ideas in waiting—to have been transformed by students and staff creatively. This, in an effort to ‘increase the rhino population’ in South Africa and ultimately raise awareness for rhino-focused initiatives around the world.

Incited by Project Rhino—a KZN-based conservation organisation that looks out for our rhino populations as well as their extended wildlife communities—the wire-frame rhino creation initiative and competition has been a big part of 2024 for schools across the province.

Under the theme ‘Future Rhino’, participating schools were given wireframes to transform to the tune of their own creativity. They were tasked to use recycled materials in both an artistic and practical sense; as decor and armour to withstand weather conditions.

Amid all the fun that came with the creation process, the students got to experience the magic of upcycling, all while playing their part in a bigger mosaic of efforts for rhino conservation awareness.

“Our girls sourced recycled materials and focused on adhering to the theme while maximising visual impact,” shared St Mary’s DSG of their creation. “It only seemed fitting that we call our rhino—Mary!”.

Mary adorns daisies and other bottle-top-inspired flowers, as well as recycled plastic petals, netting and what appears to be a tiny bird friend who was once food packaging.

The proud rhino now joins the crash of other created rhinos in KwaZulu-Natal, with the competition set to end on 27 September.

The school adds that Mary will also auctioned off at a fundraiser later on in the year!

Sources: St Mary’s DSG 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Care for Wild is reflecting on 10 years of heritage and impact as the world’s largest rhino sanctuary!

Mpumalanga, South Africa (22 September 2024) — This World Rhino Day, the community of Mpumalanga is celebrating the worldwide impact of the Care for Wild Rhino sanctuary, the largest rhino sanctuary in the world, that’s been ruining poachers’ plans and stepping up for rhinos for 10 years.

Care for Wild has seen a whole decade of relentless efforts and tireless work in conserving South Africa’s black and white rhino populations, protecting these magnificent but endangered animals from what has unfortunately become a poacher-led fate.

Founded by Petronel Niewoudt (a nominee for the Indianapolis prize, AKA the Nobel Prize of Animal Conservation along with the likes of Kerri Wolter), Care for Wild has been behind numerous rescues, rehabilitations and re-wilding moments—standing firmly as the force against the odds for Rhinos.

The reality of life as a rhino in our country is frightening. In 2023 alone, 499 rhinos were killed in South Africa, an increase of more than 10% when looking at 2022.

But teams like Care for Wild are helping lessen the blow of these numbers. In their 10 years, they have seen over 113 rhinos rescued and rehabilitated, re-wilded 51 and experienced the joy of 29 calves born right at the sanctuary.

A big reason the team’s work is possible is thanks to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Care for Wild and SANParks. This allows black and white rhinos from the Kruger National Park to be rescued and brought straight to the sanctuary.

Although rhinos are central to Care for Wild’s cause, the positive impact of their work across social spheres in local communities cannot be understated. Through conservation-driven initiatives, the team have been able to bridge previous gaps and transform the lives of communities through meaningful social development efforts.

A sustainable conservation model of impact takes this into consideration, ensuring that the basic needs of people are met so that they are out of survival mode themselves and can come from a better place to receive information and feel encouraged to defend our natural heritage.

As Petronel puts it:

“Through our mission to save the rhino, we’ve come to realise that people are truly at the heart of our conservation efforts.”  

With this in mind and through the YES programme, 814 unemployed youths have been given the opportunity of a one-year paid work experience at Care for Wild. 40% have gone on to receive permanent positions at the sanctuary.

However, the job is far from done. For Petronel, resilience is key to moving forward.

“Over the years, I’ve witnessed some of the most devastating cases of rhino poaching—heartbreaking moments that kept me awake at night. Yet, this journey has taught me one invaluable lesson: resilience in the face of adversity. We cannot allow poachers to believe they have won, and for that reason, I will continue fighting this injustice.”—Petronel Niewoudt.

Sources: Supplied 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post 10 Years of Remarkable Impact for and Beyond the Rhino appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Despite the ongoing threat of poaching, Babanango Game Reserve’s rhino dehorning efforts have been instrumental in safeguarding these magnificent creatures.

Zululand, South Africa (13 September 2024) – The successful dehorning of the last rhino in Babanango Game Reserve marks a significant milestone in the fight to protect these endangered animals ahead of World Rhino Day in September.

The initiative is part of the reserve’s conservation strategy to combat poaching and safeguard these threatened animals.

With the assistance of Wildlife Solutions Africa, this latest operation took place over two days, concluding the horn-trimming cycle of the entire population for 2024.

The procedure was led by reserve ecologist Stuart Dunlop and local wildlife vet Dr Ryan van Deventer, who worked together to ensure the safe sedation, health checks and dehorning of the rhinos.

Rhino dehorning is a way to protect rhinos from poachers without hurting them. Rhino horns are like human fingernails, so most horns can be removed without causing pain to the animal.

“The operation was a great success with several rhinos having their horns trimmed. The entire rhino population on Babanango Game Reserve has now been dehorned and this would not have been possible without a dedicated conservation team, including support from wildlife vets, security teams, and most of all, our conservation donors” says Stuart Dunlop, Reserve Ecologist, Babanango Game Reserve.

The reserve’s Wildlife Monitor, Bongani Khumalo, emphasised rhinos as an important aspect of African wildlife.

He said that monitoring these animals on a daily basis is a demanding, necessary and very exciting job.

“Knowing that all the animals that we look after are still alive and in good condition, makes us as monitors proud to do what we do, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Khumalo added.

In the first half of 2024, 229 rhinos were poached across South Africa, nearly the same as in 2023, despite a reduced population.

Rhinos in KwaZulu-Natal are still in danger because of poachers who sell their horns mostly in Asia.

The game reserve’s rhino operations have been supported by many conservation donors and partners nationally and internationally, enabling these vital interventions to take place for the protection of our rhinos.

Sources: Babanango Game Reserve

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The Somkhanda Game Reserve community has worked tirelessly to safeguard the future of rhinos and the rich biodiversity of South Africa.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (19 August 2024) – Somkhanda Game Reserve, a community-owned sanctuary for the stunning Big Five, has launched a major rhino dehorning initiative to combat the escalating poaching crisis.

Situated in Zululand, Northern KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhanda Game Reserve was the first Community Game Reserve to welcome a black rhino population as part of WWF’s Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP) in 2007.

This latest dehorning operation marks a significant success, not only for the reserve, but for overall rhino conservation in the KwaZulu-Natal province, which lost an alarming 325 rhinos to poaching in 2023.

Dehorning is a conservation technique used to protect rhinos from poaching. The process involves safely removing a rhino’s horns under sedation. This reduces the horn’s value, deterring poachers. While not ideal, dehorning is a necessary measure to combat the devastating impact of poaching on rhino populations, aiming to safeguard their survival.

A success for rhino conservation in KwaZulu-Natal

The July three-day dehorning operation on Somkhanda Game Reserve, funded by Rhino Recovery Fund and others, is the latest in a series of operations supported by various donors aimed at protecting this rhino population following a substantial increase in poaching numbers in KwaZulu-Natal in 2023.

Meiring Prinsloo, MD of Somkhanda, said

“Due to the increased rhino poaching pressure experienced in KZN during the past few months, we had to drastically intensify our overall counter-poaching measures. This obviously comes at increased, and mostly unplanned, additional costs. Thanks to the Rhino Recovery Fund and Wildlife ACT, additional support was made available to Somkhanda Game Reserve that will definitely aid us in our mission to safeguard our rhino and other wildlife.”

Several key partners were involved in making the operation a success, including Wildlife ACT, PAMCo, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife veterinarian Dr Rowan Leeming, African Wildlife Vets veterinarian Dr Jen Lawrence, Heligistix, Zululand Air Patrol (ZAP Wing), Rhino Recovery Fund, CHEP, Protank, WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, Ford Wildlife Foundation, and Somkhanda Big 5 Tourism.

The successful dehorning operation is a testament to the power of collaboration in protecting the precious gem that is our wildlife.

Sources: Wildlife ACT

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