10/06/2025
Sharing Rhino Photos & Videos — A Delicate Balance
Lately, a few people have asked me why I post videos and photos of rhinos, especially during a time when poaching remains such a serious threat. I want to say upfront — I deeply appreciate that these concerns come from a place of love and protection for these incredible animals. And I share that same concern.
The fear is that poachers might track rhinos by pulling GPS metadata from content posted online — or by using the tagged locations in our posts. It’s a valid worry, and one that deserves thoughtful attention.
That said, I believe not sharing these animals at all can also be harmful in the long run. When people stop seeing rhinos, they slowly start forgetting them. And when something is out of sight, it easily becomes out of mind.
We need people around the world to care about rhinos — and to care, they need to see them, learn about them, and connect with their story. That’s why I choose to share. But I also believe it must be done responsibly.
Here are a few key things to know if you’re posting rhino content online:
⸻
1. Photo/Video Metadata (EXIF Data)
• Most smartphones and cameras embed GPS coordinates in images and videos.
• However, Facebook automatically strips this data when you upload content — so viewers cannot extract your exact location from your media.
⸻
2. Manual Location Tagging
• If you manually tag your location (e.g. “Kruger National Park” or a specific lodge), that tag is public.
• It may help others narrow down where you were, so avoid tagging smaller or more sensitive locations.
⸻
3. Contextual Clues in the Background
Even without metadata or location tags:
• Unique landscapes, road signs, or recognizable features can give away your location.
• Think like a poacher: If you can identify where the video was taken, someone else probably can too.
⸻
4. Facebook’s Internal Location Access
• Facebook can access your device’s location if you’ve granted permission, but this data is not shared publicly unless you choose to include it in your post.
⸻
How to Post Responsibly
• Avoid tagging specific locations, especially in smaller reserves or sanctuaries.
• Delay your posts if needed, especially for real-time sightings.
• Blur or crop out identifiable background details if necessary.
• Watch your captions or spoken commentary — even saying the name of a lodge or area can reveal more than intended.
⸻
What About Kruger?
Tagging the Kruger National Park, which is larger than some countries, does not directly endanger rhinos. Kruger is marketed as a Big 5 destination, and it’s no secret that rhinos live there. That said, it’s still best to avoid being too specific — and never post real-time rhino sightings with detailed location info.
In contrast, smaller private reserves or rhino sanctuaries can be more vulnerable. Tagging those locations — even just naming them — can pose serious risks, especially if their rhino populations are not widely known.
⸻
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Personally, I believe the more we share and educate people about these magnificent animals, the more awareness we create — and the more support we build in the fight against poaching.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you share Rhino content online? Let’s talk about how we can do it safely and responsibly. 🧡
