Keep the Five Alive on Five Five

On this day, as we come together to Keep the Five Alive, we pause to recognize not only the five remaining species of rhinoceros on our planet, but also the collective responsibility we share to ensure their survival. For me, this work is deeply personal, rooted in both my professional journey and a longstanding commitment to conservation that extends far beyond the boundaries of any one zoo or organization.

It is an honor to champion the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) through Zoo Atlanta’s Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund Grant. IRF is a global leader in rhino conservation, supporting on-the-ground protection, scientific research, habitat preservation, and community-based initiatives across Africa and Asia. Their work is both urgent and strategic, focused not only on preventing extinction, but on building sustainable futures where rhinos and people can coexist.

The International Rhino Foundation stood out immediately to me as an organization aligned with the conservation goals of Zoo Atlanta and the Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund. Their approach aligns closely with our strategy: Conservation must be collaborative, science-driven, and locally informed. IRF invests in partnerships with field conservationists, governments, and communities, recognizing that lasting impact comes from empowering those closest to the work. This is not just about saving species; it is about strengthening systems, including habitats, communities, global networks, and providing support to the people and rhinos who depend on these systems.

My personal connection to rhino conservation has developed over many years. It has been shaped by my work in applied science and population biology for rhinos in human care, as well as my broader understanding of the challenges facing these species in the wild. Rhinos are extraordinary. They are resilient, ecologically vital, and ancient species, yet they remain among the most threatened mammals on Earth. Poaching, habitat loss, and political instability continue to put immense pressure on their survival.

Some of my most meaningful work has focused on contributing to conservation strategies that connect rhinos in human care with those in the wild. Through a One Plan approach, every individual rhino, whether in a protected reserve or a managed population, is considered part of a larger, integrated conservation strategy. I have had the privilege of sharing my expertise to support efforts for species such as black rhinos and Sumatran rhinos, helping to inform how we manage populations to ensure long-term sustainability.

But beyond the science, there are moments that stay with you. If you have ever stood close to a rhino, you understand the impact immediately. There is the sheer power and presence of the animal, but also something unexpectedly gentle. Their eyes, their curiosity, even the way they respond to a scratch or a brush, reminds you that these are not just conservation statistics, but individuals worth protecting. In many ways, they can feel like the strongest, most powerful dog you’ve ever met, and that connection is what makes this work so meaningful.

At Zoo Atlanta, we are uniquely positioned to help others experience that same connection. Rhinos are powerful ambassadors for conservation, and through storytelling, research, and partnerships with organizations like IRF, we can translate awareness into action. This is one of the reasons I feel such strong alignment with IRF’s mission and that the organization recognizes that conservation success depends not only on protecting rhinos in their native ranges, but also on inspiring people around the world to care and make global changes in policy and funding opportunities.

There are several aspects of IRF’s work that resonate deeply with me. Their commitment to all five rhino species—Black, White, Greater One-Horned, Sumatran, and Javan—reflects a comprehensive and inclusive approach. Their support for ranger training and anti-poaching efforts addresses immediate threats, while their investment in research and habitat management builds a path for the future. Equally important is their emphasis on community engagement, recognizing that conservation must provide value and opportunity for people who share resources with rhinos in order to succeed.

As a Strategic Advisor for the International Rhino Foundation, I have the opportunity to contribute directly to this work by reviewing and recommending scientific initiatives that advance rhino conservation. It has been incredibly rewarding to see how these research efforts translate into real-world impact, expanding our knowledge and strengthening our ability to protect rhino populations.

The Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund Grant represents more than financial support; it reflects the power of partnership. By investing in organizations like IRF, we strengthen a global network dedicated to protecting biodiversity and ensuring a future for species at risk.

On this Keep the Five Alive Day, I am reminded that conservation is an active responsibility. It requires persistence, innovation, and collaboration across disciplines and borders. I am grateful to be part of a community, both at Zoo Atlanta and through the International Rhino Foundation, that is committed to this work.

The challenges are significant, but so is our capacity to make a difference. Together, we can ensure that rhinos continue to roam our planet, not as relics of the past, but as living proof of what we can still protect and save.

— Dr. Gina Ferrie, Vice President of Collections and Conservation, Zoo Atlanta