Inside the rhino wars: a gripping documentary exposes ranger struggles—and the deeper crisis threatening wildlife

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by The Conversation, click this post to read the original article.

If you watch the new documentary *Rhino*, you’ll be taken to the stunning Laikipia plateau on the western side of Mount Kenya. This vast wilderness is not only home to thriving black rhinos but also to traditional Masai communities. Once on the brink of extinction, these rhinos are now making a comeback, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. Through the eyes of two rangers—veteran Ramson Kiluko and newcomer Rita Kulamu—you get a rare glimpse into the daily struggle and teamwork required to protect these animals amid both natural dangers and human threats.

The documentary gives you a deeper understanding of the painstaking work involved in rhino conservation, especially when it comes to relocating animals to balance population and territory. In one central storyline, 21 rhinos are scheduled to move from the overcrowded Lewa and Borana reserves to Loisaba, a safer sanctuary. But such operations are risky. Rhinos don’t take well to being moved, and the process is often delayed by harsh conditions like drought. You’ll witness how fragile this balance is, and how even the best-laid plans can be affected by climate extremes and social conflict.

What *Rhino* does particularly well is celebrate the commitment of rangers like Kiluko and Kulamu, showing the physical and emotional toll of their work. The film highlights how conservation is not just about animals—it’s deeply human. Rangers must locate every rhino daily, maintain secure fences, and navigate dangers from poachers and sometimes from local community tensions. This vivid portrayal reminds you that conservation success doesn’t happen in isolation, but is built on the backs of passionate and tireless individuals.

However, as you watch, it’s important to realize what the film doesn’t fully address. The Laikipia landscape is deeply complex, shaped by historical inequalities in land ownership and ongoing social tensions. Conservation efforts can sometimes alienate local communities, especially when rhinos are seen as tools to justify restricted access and militarized protection. You may come to see that the line between heroes and villains isn’t always clear. True conservation success must also tackle issues like inequality, land rights, and the need for approaches that prioritize both people and wildlife.