The Upmost Foundation
Why Rhinos.
Why Now.
The rhino poaching crisis is not a distant problem. It is happening right now, every 8 hours, in the same bush where you will be standing.
~27,000
White rhinos remaining worldwide
~6,000
Black rhinos — critically endangered
1 every 8hrs
Rate of rhino poaching in Africa
$65,000/kg
Black market value of rhino horn
The Crisis
Rhino Horn Is Worth
More Than Gold
Rhino horn is made of keratin — the same protein as your fingernails. It has no proven medicinal value. Yet on the black market in Asia, it sells for up to $65,000 per kilogram — more than gold, cocaine, or diamonds.
Poaching syndicates operate like military units. They use helicopters, night-vision equipment, and veterinary drugs. They are organized, well-funded, and ruthless. The rhinos have no defence.
South Africa is home to approximately 80% of the world's remaining white rhinos. In 2023 alone, over 499 rhinos were poached in South Africa — more than one per day.
The Upmost Foundation's answer is dehorning. Remove the horn before the poachers can. No horn, no target. The procedure is safe, painless, and the horn regrows within 2–3 years.
The Procedure
How a Rhino Rescue
Actually Works
Helicopter Tracking
Tony's team uses helicopters to locate and dart rhinos at highest risk of poaching. The tranquilizer is fast-acting and safe — the rhino is sedated within minutes.
Dehorning
Veterinarians carefully remove the horn using a chainsaw — completely painless, like cutting a fingernail. Without a horn, the rhino has no value to poachers. The horn regrows fully within 2–3 years.
DNA & Micro-chipping
Blood and hair samples are collected for the Rhino DNA Index System — a global database used to prosecute poachers. A microchip is implanted for permanent identification.
Recovery & Release
The rhino is given a reversal drug and wakes within minutes, fully alert and unharmed. It walks back into the bush — protected, identified, and alive because of what your team did.
The Foundation
The Upmost Foundation
The Upmost Foundation is a registered IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Every dollar raised through the Rhino Rescue Safari goes directly to funding rhino dehorning operations, veterinary costs, helicopter time, anti-poaching patrols, and conservation research.
Because the Foundation holds 501(c)(3) status, your expedition investment may be partially tax-deductible. Speak to your accountant for specific advice on your situation.