Driving Conservation: First Car Rental’s 10-Year Commitment to Project Rhino

At First Car Rental, we believe in driving change—on the road and in the world around us. That’s why, for over a decade, we’ve proudly partnered with Project Rhino, an alliance of conservation organisations united in the fight to protect South Africa’s rhino population and the broader ecosystems they represent.

This partnership goes beyond corporate social investment. It’s a long-standing commitment to protecting our country’s natural heritage, supporting the rangers on the frontlines, and helping shape a more sustainable future for wildlife conservation in South Africa.

Why Project Rhino?

Founded in response to the alarming rise in rhino poaching, Project Rhino is a collective of conservation organisations working together to safeguard both white and black rhino populations in KwaZulu-Natal. But their mission goes far deeper. The rhino is a flagship species—protecting it means protecting all wildlife that shares its environment.

Project Rhino tackles poaching and habitat threats through an innovative four-pillar strategy:

1. Coordination Unit: Serving as the central hub, this unit mobilises stakeholders, coordinates intelligence, prioritises field needs, and secures vital funding.
2. Ranger and Technical Support: Providing hands-on training and resources to field rangers, including the deployment of K9 and equine patrol units for on-the-ground protection.
3. Education and Engagement: Driving community awareness through programmes like Rhino ART (Art, Recreation and Theatre), leadership camps, and the World Youth Wildlife Summit, inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders.
4. Wild Economy and Enterprise: Fostering ecotourism, agro-processing, and ecological agriculture to create sustainable income for communities living alongside protected areas.

Together, these pillars address both the immediate and root causes of poaching—from lack of education and employment to under-resourced ranger teams.

Our Role: 10 Years of Partnership and Support

Since the beginning of this journey, First Car Rental has stood side-by-side with Project Rhino, providing vehicle support to help their teams reach remote regions, transport supplies, and respond swiftly to threats in the field.

In September 2024, we deepened this commitment by partnering with Stellantis to sponsor a fully branded Peugeot Landtrek, purpose-built for rugged terrain and operational efficiency. The vehicle now plays a vital role in Project Rhino’s daily operations, enabling faster mobility, expanded reach, and greater impact.

For conservation teams working under pressure, access to reliable transport isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. And we’re proud to play a part in making that possible.

Conservation is a Journey—And We’re in It for the Long Haul