364 - Rhino Conservationist: Why Poachers Still Kill Dehorned Rhinos | Karen Odendaal

Karen Odendaal has spent more than two decades confronting the realities of wildlife conservation in South Africa, where protecting endangered animals can demand extraordinary ingenuity, difficult ethical choices, and personal risk. In this episode, she reveals what's at stake in a world where human greed continues to threaten wildlife. Karen explores when human intervention can help, and when nature needs room to take its course. Yet even amid heartbreaking losses, she finds reasons to hope. Her experience offers a powerful reminder that the future of wildlife depends not only on those working to protect it, but on the choices humanity makes about the natural world. What we discuss: How Karen began her career in wildlife conservation. The dangers of working with black rhinos. Why rhinos are targeted by poachers and what drives the demand for their horns. The beliefs behind rhino horn consumption. What it takes to rehabilitate rhino calves orphaned by poaching. Why pangolins are especially vulnerable to trafficking. The greatest challenges facing Karen's conservation work, and what gives her hope for the future. Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen_livingawildlife/?hl=en Facebook: Karen Odendaal (@karen.odendaal69) • Facebook Rhino River Lodge Zululand Conservation Trust 1 Million Tables Click the link below to learn about the FISCAL Act (S. 222) https://switch4good.org/fiscal-act/ Share the website and get your resources here https://kidsandmilk.org/ Dairy-Free Swaps Guide: Easy Anti-Inflammatory Meals, Recipes, and Tips https://switch4good.org/dairy-free-swaps-guide SUPPORT SWITCH4GOOD https://switch4good.org/support-us/ ★☆★ JOIN OUR PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP ★☆★ https://www.facebook.com/groups/podcastchat ★☆★ SWITCH4GOOD WEBSITE ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/ ★☆★ ONLINE STORE ★☆★ https://shop.switch4good.org/shop/ ★☆★ FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM ★☆★ https://www.instagram.com/Switch4Good/ ★☆★ LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ★☆★ https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/ ★☆★ SUBSTACK ★☆★ https://dotsiebausch.substack.com/ ★☆★ AMAZON STORE ★☆★ https://www.amazon.com/shop/switch4good