Documentary Review: ‘Rhino Man’ – The Unsung Heroes of Conservation.

‘Rhino Man‘ presents a compelling and heartfelt narrative centred on the relentless battle against rhino poaching in South Africa. Directed by John Jurko II, Matt Lindenberg, and Daniel Roberts, the documentary chronicles the courageous efforts of wildlife rangers who risk their lives daily to protect South Africa’s dwindling rhino population from violent poaching syndicates. The film is a powerful tribute to these unsung heroes, shedding light on their extraordinary sacrifices and the vital role they play in conservation efforts.

One of the film’s main subjects is Ruben De Kock, a seasoned field ranger with over 40 years of experience. For the past 26 years, Ruben has dedicated himself to training new generations of field rangers, preparing them to face the brutal realities of the fight against poaching. Through Ruben’s narrative, we also learn about his close friend and fellow ranger, Martin Mthembu. Ruben describes Martin as the “original rhino man.” He was an ex-military man like Ruben, who devoted his life to protecting wildlife. We learn from the film that Martin Mthembu died in a tragic accident leaving a void in the hearts of the people who cared about him and also in the fight for the protection of wildlife.

The film does an excellent job of portraying the field rangers as the backbone of conservation. Without their tireless efforts, there would likely be no rhinos left in the wild. The poaching crisis, as detailed in ‘Rhino Man‘, is a harrowing one. Before the 18th century, there were an estimated half a million rhinos worldwide. Today, that number has dropped drastically to about only 27,000 rhinos living in the wild. The film outlines the extreme lengths poachers go to in targeting rhinos, not for their meat but for their horns, which are falsely believed to have medicinal properties. Ruben aptly calls this a “systematic deletion,” explaining that as rhino numbers dwindle, the value of their horns increases, incentivizing poachers even further. Between 2012 and 2021, an estimated 48 metric tons of African rhino horn entered the illegal trade, illustrating the scale of this devastating problem.

Ruben De Kock

‘Rhino Man‘ delves a bit into the origins of the demand for rhino horns, tracing it back to ancient Oriental beliefs in their medicinal value. However, a disturbing resurgence in demand began in 2008-2009, with unfounded claims that rhino horn can cure cancer or even serve as a recreational drug in nightclubs, purportedly as a remedy for hangovers which encourages people to drink more. The film firmly debunks these, making it clear that science has long since disproved any medicinal benefits associated with rhino horn.

One of the film’s most poignant aspects is its exploration of the African Field Ranger Training Services (AFRTS), where rangers are trained to face the extreme dangers posed by poachers. The documentary follows a group of young men aspiring to become rangers, documenting the gruelling five-day selection process, which tests both their physical endurance and mental fortitude. Of the 41 candidates who show up at the Southern African Wildlife College for this demanding selection process, only the strongest and most determined will proceed to a six-week ranger course. The film does an excellent job of capturing the human element here, with the candidates sharing their motivations for wanting to protect wildlife. Rueben and his team look out for all the elements they believe a good ranger should possess to make their selections.

But it’s not just about physical strength. The documentary highlights that a ranger’s commitment, integrity, and dedication are equally important. These young men are expected to stand against poachers who are armed, dangerous, and often willing to kill to get what they want. And to qualify as a ranger, you have to be trusted that you can’t be bought or enticed by these poaching syndicates.

Anton Mzimba

Kruger National Park, one of the most iconic wildlife reserves in South Africa, is surrounded by settlements with over three million people, many of whom face poverty and unemployment. The film poignantly explores how this socio-economic backdrop makes people vulnerable to recruitment by poaching syndicates, showing the seriousness of the situation.

The film also focuses on another figure Anton Mzimba, a ranger who describes the job of a ranger as a calling from God. With over 20 years of experience, Anton shares deeply personal reflections on his role. In one particularly emotional scene, we see Anton spending time with his family on a rare day off. He worries that his young son may not recognize him, given how much time he spends away from home. He also discusses the real dangers his family faces because of his work. Some of the poachers know who he is, and he’s received threats against him and his family.

Towards the end of the film, we learn that Anton was shot and killed at his home by criminals suspected to be linked to a poaching syndicate. The final 15 minutes of the documentary are dedicated to his memory, showing footage from his memorial after his death on July 26, 2022. Anton’s passing is a sombre reminder of the high stakes involved in the fight to protect wildlife, and it leaves the audience grappling with the very real dangers faced by these conservationists.

“What I’m doing, I’m not doing it for my own sake. I’m doing this for the world, for my children’s children, so that one day when I hang my boots, they are going to enjoy the wildlife,” Anton Mzimba says in one of the film’s most powerful moments.

‘Rhino Man‘ is as much a film about conservation as it is about human resilience and sacrifice. The cinematography is stunning, capturing both the breathtaking beauty and the harshness of the South African plains. Visual storytelling enhances the emotional weight of the narrative, reminding us of what is at stake if we should fail at preserving wildlife.

The film was made in memory of the fallen rangers and serves as a moving tribute to their courage and dedication. I will score this documentary a well-deserving 5 stars.