As home to about 80% of the world’s rhino, South Africa is on the front line against poachers who slaughter the animal for its horn, which sells for an estimated $65,000 a kilogram. Rangers use military-style rifles, tracking devices and sniffer dogs to pursue and deter poachers.
The Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife is a New York-based NGO that sends army veterans, many of whom fought in Iraq and Afghanistan and are now struggling to find civilian work, to support and train South African rangers. Founded by former marine Ryan Tate, VETPAW teaches skills including marksmanship, patrolling and community outreach.
Photographs by Kevin Sutherland/Bloomberg
