The Great Rhino Project: Not quite endangered?

In 2016, from 30th of July to 9th of October, the Great Big Rhino Trail brought 42 painted and life-sized rhino sculptures to the streets, parks, and open spaces of South Devon. The purpose of this event was simple – to bring awareness to the issue of endangered Rhinos, and to help raise funds for organisations which work to protect these magnificent creatures.

While this event was a great success, there are still some of those left wondering why it is we put so much stock in these creatures, and can we expect a follow-up event anytime soon?

Why Rhinoceros?

Rhinos have long been one of the most fascinating animals to humans. Enormous, powerful, and oddly cute, it’s easy to see how they worked their way into our collective thoughts and imaginations. We can see examples of this everywhere. From sports teams like the Leeds Rhinos, to comic books like with the Spiderman villain Rhino, even to games like the Betsoft Raging Rhino Slot game. Despite many of us never laying an eye on the beasts in person, their intrigue sticks with us, and have done so for many years.

Unfortunately, in many places, this has grown into an unhealthy obsession or misunderstanding about what the animals are, and what they can do. Specifically, the problem comes down to the destruction of natural habitat, and poachers. Human expansion destroys the natural lands of many of these rhinos, and those which are left are often targeted as trophies or bogus medicines.


"Rhinos" (CC BY 2.0) by LifeOfCollas

The Great Rhino Project

The inspiration for this project came from two factors, the need to protect these creatures and the previous work which has already been completed in similar areas. The Great Gorillas Project, which ran in 2013 was one such similar event, which helped build the framework. By engaging in both public displays of these animals, so that we can get a real sense of their size and stature, and starting fundraisers, we could help in more ways than one. The involvement of those in the art world to help practise their craft and build awareness also helped bring attention to those who might otherwise miss what this event had to say.

In the end, this was an enormous, rhino-sized success. All said and done, the Great Rhino Project was a smash hit in the community, and drew in many from miles around. Aside from the goodwill, awareness, and activity that this inspired, it also managed to bring in £123,000 with a final charity auction.


"Rhino" (CC BY-ND 2.0) by tabooze

Where From Here?

A fantastic part of the project is was that it was born from a public interest in action. It was a community which came together to create this project, and it is a community which can do so again, even if indirectly. Communities don't need to be physical either, in order to achieve a goal. Using the internet, expressing interest and support for more events on relevant Facebook pages, for example, can light a huge signal fire which others can gather around. We made a difference together, and by getting together both in person and online we can do so again.