Inspired by a vision of a world where rhinos roam freely without the fear of poaching, the URhino Project, an initiative of the Upmost Foundation, stands as a beacon of hope in rhino conservation. This project is propelled by a committed team of animal advocates who dedicate their lives to protecting rhinos from the brutal cruelty of poachers, emphasizing the importance of rhino conservation in maintaining biodiversity and natural harmony.
Tony Knight, Head Rhino Rescue Leader, is a figure whose career evolution embodies a profound shift from the corporate world to the frontlines of wildlife conservation. Initially embarking on a path in Supply Chain Engineering in South Africa, Knight’s trajectory took a pivotal turn upon moving to the UK, where he ventured into the advertising technology space. This marked the beginning of a journey that would eventually lead him across continents, from London to Toronto, culminating in the establishment of an advertising tech agency in 2010.
Despite his success in the corporate realm, Knight’s passion for wildlife conservation remained a constant; driving him to engage in conservation projects and initiatives aimed at protecting endangered species, particularly rhinos, in his spare time. This dedication to conservation led to a significant career transformation, inspired by a visit to Burning Man in 2015. There, Knight made the life-altering decision to leverage his for-profit business acumen for the benefit of environmental and wildlife conservation efforts.
Knight’s transition to the non-profit sector was fueled by witnessing the brutal realities faced by rhinos due to poaching in South Africa. His firsthand experiences with the devastating impact of poaching on these majestic creatures compelled him to dedicate his life and resources to their protection. Co-founding the Upmost Foundation, Knight has channeled his diverse expertise and visionary spirit into the URhino Project, aiming to create sustainable solutions for rhino conservation and to inspire collective action towards a future where wildlife and humans thrive in harmony.
At our core is a passionate group of conservationists, researchers, and advocates brought together by Tony, and guided by the wisdom of Craig Black along with the expertise of Chris Cognetta. Our team embodies the spirit of resilience in the face of adversity. Together, they steer our mission with unwavering dedication, uniting diverse skills and perspectives in the fight for rhino conservation.
“We’re committed to real-world solutions, transparency, and leveraging every contribution to make a measurable impact in the conservation landscape. Your partnership is crucial in this quest.”
The URhino Project is dedicated to the preservation and protection of rhinos through innovative conservation strategies, tourism, community empowerment, and global education. Our mission is to halt the poaching crisis, restore rhino populations to their natural habitats, and foster a future where humans and wildlife coexist in harmony. By integrating cutting-edge technology, scientific research, and collaborative efforts, we aim to inspire actions that respect, protect, and celebrate rhinos as a vital part of our natural world and heritage.