23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Rewilding 2,000 Rhinos

Moving a two-ton rhino requires coordinated physical work from the entire team. Each animal must be positioned safely, with each leg and the animal in a position that is comfortable during the veterinary process. In one 2025 operation, forty-four rhinos were darted in a single day, with teams working continuously to guide, stabilize, and move each animal.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2025
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: KwaZulu Natal, Hluwluwe, South Africa
Copyright: © Wiktoria West
Awards
Photo of the Day: 04.25.26