Research, Conservation & Community
RESEARCH
Rory Hensman Conservation & Research Unit (RHCRU)
The late Rory Hensman learnt so much from observing wild elephants and living with tamed and trained elephants. His wish was that through education and knowledge of the wonders of this animal, we humans would be motivated to look after them. As we head into a modern world where wildlife and humans compete for limited resources, knowledge and education are vital to the conservation of various species.
Rory Hensman grew up on a farm in Zimbabwe, surrounded by both wild and domestic animals. As a father, he wanted his children to experience nature the same way he did, so he converted one of his agriculture farms into a game reserve. During the culling operations in Zimbabwe, he received 2 young elephants; because of their age, they had to be hand-reared. Rory quickly realized how smart and useful these animals were, so he began using them for basic farm chores. Soon, the Hensman farm became known for its work with elephants, and farmers began bringing problem elephants to Rory. Despite criticism, Rory trained these animals to perform tricks and farm tasks, including partaking in anti-poaching patrols in the National Parks in the Zambezi Valley in the early 1990’s. Rory then transferred to tourism, using his elephants as educational ambassadors to teach people about the value of these animals. In 2002, Rory and his family were forced to leave Zimbabwe and they began their elephant operations in South Africa. In 2003, he started Elephants for Africa Forever, an organization used to help fund research projects. In 2010, Adventures with Elephants, the home base of RHCRU, was established. Sadly, Rory passed in 2013, but his legacy and passion for elephants lives on through the Rory Hensman Conservation and Research Unit.
In 2010, Adventures with Elephants, the home base of RHCRU, was established. Sadly, Rory passed in 2013, but his legacy and passion for elephants lives on through the Rory Hensman Conservation and Research Unit.
Founded in 2016, the Rory Hensman Conservation and Research Unit continues Rory’s vision of giving value to elephants through education and research efforts. RHCRU focuses on all aspects of elephant research and welfare, believing that the best approach to conservation is a global perspective. We aim to deliver workable solutions to those on the ground directly involved with wildlife, and to engage their help in creating intelligent, effective, and simple solutions.
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