RHINO BOY” CONQUERS MOUNT KILIMANJARO TO RAISE GLOBAL AWARENESS FOR ENDANGERED RHINOS

 Wearing a full rhinoceros costume, British environmental activist and Save the Rhino International Ambassador, Chris Green, popularly known as “Rhino Boy,” has successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds and global awareness about the critical threat facing one of the world’s most endangered animals  the rhinoceros.

Green completed both the ascent and descent of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain and famously known as the “Roof of Africa,” earlier this week after a demanding six-day trek that began on January 16, 2026.

Speaking to journalists on January 21, shortly after descending the mountain, Green described the challenge as physically exhausting but emotionally uplifting.

“I’ve walked to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and back down,” he said. “Physically, I feel like the most exhausted rhino on Earth. But emotionally, I feel full of joy and hope.”

According to Green, that sense of hope came from the overwhelming support he received throughout the journey, including assistance from Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) officials, mountain guides, porters, and fellow climbers.

“My heart is full of hope because the only way I could do this was with the support of people here in Tanzania,” he said. “Everyone worked together to help this ‘rhino’ reach the summit. It shows that when we work together, we can protect the environment, stand up for conservation, and save rhinos.”

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is challenging under normal circumstances, but undertaking the expedition while wearing a heavy rhino costume made the journey even more demanding.

“Every day, the mountain felt enormous and the challenge overwhelming,” Green explained. “At times, it felt impossible. But nothing is impossible when you give your heart and soul, especially when you are surrounded by kind and supportive people.”

Green said his motivation throughout the climb was driven by his mission to save rhinos. Of the five remaining rhino species worldwide, all are classified as threatened, including the African black rhino, which continues to face severe pressure from poaching and habitat loss.

“Rhinos are my favourite animals,” he said. “They represent everything we should strive to be as humans gentle, humble, and strong. It breaks my heart to see them on the brink of extinction. I had to do this to raise awareness about their situation so that, together, we can make a difference.”

According to Save the Rhino International, the global population of all five rhino species is estimated at around 27,000 individuals. Although poaching levels have slightly declined compared to previous years, illegal wildlife trade remains a serious threat. In South Africa alone, at least one rhino is still killed by poachers every day, with approximately 420 rhinos killed in 2024 and 195 more during the first half of 2025.

Green praised Tanzania and its conservation institutions for their strong support, awarding TANAPA a perfect score for its efforts in wildlife protection and conservation.

“From the moment I arrived, I have experienced nothing but hospitality and love,” he said. “They could have found a hundred reasons to say no, but instead they found every reason to say yes.”

Concluding his address to the media, Green called on the global community to take collective action to protect wildlife.

“I truly feel that all of Tanzania stands behind me and behind Save the Rhino, an organisation I am incredibly proud to represent,” he said. “With friends like these, anything is possible. Let us protect wildlife. Let us save rhino species.”