ZOQ proudly supports ...
A film by Global Conservation Corps produced by Friendly Human
RHINO MAN follows the courageous field rangers who risk their lives every day to protect South Africa’s rhinos from being poached to extinction.
We follow Anton Mzimba, the head ranger of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, as he and his team battle to protect the rhinos. Anton faces long deployments away from family, dangerous working conditions, and constant threats to his life.
Nearby, a legendary trainer, Ruben de Kock, laments the loss of his best friend and business partner, as he and his wife, Marianne, struggle to take a group of 41 candidates through a rigorous ranger selection at the Southern African Wildlife College.
It’s a race to inspire the next generation to care for the rhinos and the natural word, before poachers and habitat loss wipe out one species after another. Greed, desperation, and violence are met with an even stronger set of forces. Those of love, dedication, and a willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for a better future.
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder
The Jane Goodall Institute
UN Messenger of Hope
RHINO MAN SCREENING TIMES
Saturday 7 September
Threatened Species Day, Blackbutt Memorial Hall, Blackbutt, Queensland
Session Time: 3:30pm
Sunday 27 October
Studio 188, Ipswich, Queensland
Doors open: 1pm
Doors open: 6pm
Saturday 2 November
Caloundra RSL, The Sapphire Room, Caloundra, Queensland
Doors open: 1pm
Doors open: 6pm
Honouring the Hero
Anton Mzimba was the Head of Ranger Services at the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Technical Advisor to Global Conservation Corps, and RHINO MAN’s biggest champion. He dedicated every aspect of his life to the protection and conservation of South African wildlife.
As a young lad, Anton dreamt of becoming a soldier, and so he did. A conservation soldier. At the age of 18, Anton joined the anti-poaching units and began the incredibly hard training. This intense training is to prepare the recruits for the dangerous service on the frontline conservation.
Anton’s hard work, unstoppable dedication and loyalty soon resulted in promotion in ranks and eventually he became the Head Ranger.
On the evening of July 26th, 2022, as the film was coming to completion, Anton was brutally murdered at his home in front of his family. The world of conservation was on it’s knees and to say we were heartbroken is an understatement.
Anton was a hero, mentor, father, friend and brother in arms. He always knew the risks, but when asked he calmly voiced that the cause was worth it. Like so many other rangers, Anton paid the ultimate price for protecting our planet’s future. We shall always remember him. LEST WE FORGET
(Honor Him – acrylic on canvas by Nayana Rathmalgoda.)
