In 1993, in response to the escalating crisis facing all five rhino species, the International Black Rhino Foundation evolved into the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) and expanded its mission to encompass all five species. The IRF is involved in programs both in nature and in captivity, both of which IRF believes are critical for the survival of rhinos. The IRF focuses on the species most in need of, and most appropriate for, intensive protection and management. 

IRF focuses its projects where conservation will have its most significant impact, and when possible, is a catalyst and facilitator rather than a primary implementer.  Additionally, the IRF provides linkages between captive and wild populations of rhinos, with the ultimate objective of helping captive populations become truly viable and hence an integral part of conservation strategies for rhinos.

IRF supports black rhino programs in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana. In Zimbabwe , intensive efforts have led to the recovery of black rhinos to more than 500 animals, now the third largest population in Africa. This population is still in the most need of support, and continues to face serious poaching threats.

Zimbabwe’s National Parks and private conservancies are under great assault at a time when they are severely understaffed and under-equipped. Since early 2000, at least one-third of the total area where rhino conservancies exist in southern Zimbabwe have experienced large-scale invasions as a result of land reformation - resulting in the displacement of black rhinos from their home ranges as well as their incidental and purposeful injuries and deaths.

IRF works primarily in the lowveld conservancies of Zimbabwe, where we collaborate with local communities to ensure the safety of the animals through monitoring and anti-poaching patrols. Our rhino operations teams regularly remove snares, provide veterinary treatment, and rescue at-risk rhinos, moving them to safer areas. Similar work is ongoing in the Selous in Tanzania and in Chyulu Hills in Kenya, and plans are underway to translocate animals from Zimbabwe to secure areas in Botswana.