Mission

The IRF:
1) provides the technical (scientific, educational, administrative) and financial resources necessary to facilitate the conservation of rhinos.
2) coordinates the resources and communications of a diverse array of rhino conservation partners, to maximize effect, while minimizing duplication.
3) provides technical and administrative services for captive programs (regionally and globally).
4) provides the linkage between captive programs, and wild populations.
5) supports applied research that targets the problems affecting the survivability of rhinos.
6) promotes the involvement of local communities in the conservation of rhinos.
advances the expertise of range-state professionals through training.
7) creates enduring (self sustaining) rhino conservation programs through "facilitative" and "catalytic" approaches
8) gives priority for its resources application of resources to issues related to species-level conservation.
9) is recognized as a trusted resource for relevant rhino information.

Programs

In response to the global crisis in rhino conservation, the International Rhino Foundation protects particularly threatened rhino populations in the wild, while also supporting management of and research on captive populations to improve the chances for long-term survival of all rhino species. We have already made great strides in preventing further declines of these magnificent animals and turning rhino population trends around in the areas in which we work.

IRF operates in situ (in nature) programs in Asia and Africa targeted to the rhino species most in need of and most appropriate for intensive protection and management. In our ex situ (in captivity) programs, IRF facilitates management and sponsors research with the ultimate objective of helping captive populations become truly viable and hence an integral part of conservation strategies for rhinos.