Rhino Conservation Fundraising: My Journey from Rhino Fan to London Marathon Fundraiser
Guest Article by Kylene Wright
Kylene Wright has been fundraising for Save the Rhino International since 2019, combining her lifelong passion for rhinos with creative fundraising initiatives to support conservation efforts across Africa and Asia. In 2026, she joined Save the Rhino’s London Marathon team, known as the crash, and raised more than £4,400 for rhino conservation. In this guest article, Kylene shares her journey from dedicated rhino enthusiast to marathon fundraiser, and what motivates her commitment to protecting rhinos.
How My Rhino Conservation Fundraising Journey Began
Since I can remember, I have always loved rhinos. I do not have memories where they were not a part of who I am. If someone knows one thing about me, it’s my unending love for those three-toed ungulates.
It was the middle of 2019 when my passion turned into action. Collecting rhino figurines was cool, but I realised it wasn’t doing any good for the rhinos. I wanted to do something more that helped in real time. That’s when I began to do a bit of research on a few rhinoceros-focused charities, eventually finding Save the Rhino International.
I remember reaching out and asking if they would be willing to let me volunteer with them, even though I was located far away. Their response was quick, and they were more than happy to have me on board. That gave me the confidence I needed to get started, and the rest is history.
Creative Fundraising for Rhino Conservation
I started with baking rhino-shaped sugar cookies, which then turned into rhino breads, and then chocolates. I held bake sales at my local vendor tables, which are always successful.
I made an Instagram account dedicated to my rhino-related charity work, hoping to spread the message. I even went back to college, earning my Master’s degree in Conservation Biology, hoping to one day work in conservation as a full-time commitment.
There is a saying: “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life,” and I find that to be true for myself in the conservation world, as that is where my heart lies.
Running the London Marathon for Rhino Conservation
Ten months ago is when my charity work with Save the Rhino International was really put to the test. I had always envied seeing photos of the running rhinos in the London Marathon and had the idea to ask if Save the Rhino would let me be part of their running team.
Well, they granted my wish, and the next several months consisted of fundraising, workout routines and lots of meal preparation. The Save the Rhino runners were incredibly helpful and kind, offering support and words of wisdom throughout the process.
Like myself, not all of us were runners by nature. We were simply running for our cause. For me, this was the most daunting part of training, as I knew I was entering one of the most famous races in the world alongside extremely passionate runners.
Honestly, I never had a finish time goal in mind. I simply wanted to make sure I finished the 26.2 miles.
What It Was Like Running in the Rhino Suit
Up until I was suited up in the rhino suit at my wave marker, everything seemed surreal. Even all those months of training could not have prepared me to take on the famous rhino suit.
The support from the crowd was unbelievable. Everybody wanted a high five and was cheering me on at every corner. Children were excited, and people of all ages were shouting my name and offering words of encouragement.
I had never experienced such an adrenaline rush in my life. My legs were sore and I was sweating like crazy, but I kept putting one foot in front of the other in hopes of making Save the Rhino International, and all those who cheered me on and supported me, proud.
The Challenge of Completing the London Marathon
This is where my story takes an unfortunate turn.
At mile 12, I knew I was not going to cross the finish line in the famous rhino suit. So, I dropped it off with the wonderful Save the Rhino crew and kept going.
The next 14 miles were quite a doozy. I was sad to leave the suit behind, yet grateful because it allowed me to meet a couple of fellow marathon runners along the way. Our conversations were exactly what I needed as a distraction from the pain.
The last several miles were quite the mental test. I wanted to give up, but I kept telling myself that I was there on a mission and to make a difference. So, I kept putting one foot in front of the other.
That was one foot closer to the finish line, and one foot closer to completing my mission.
Why Fundraising for Rhinos Matters
Ten months in the making, and I was able to cross the finish line on behalf of the greatest charity in the world: Save the Rhino International.
I will forever look back at this moment in life as an amazing accomplishment and am happy to know I was able to raise significant funds towards the cause that means the most to me.
Making a difference in rhino conservation is all I could ever ask for.
Thank you, Save the Rhino International, for giving this crazy rhino-loving girl a chance from all the way across the ocean.
Support Rhino Conservation Through Fundraising
Every fundraiser has the power to make a difference for rhinos. Whether through bake sales, sponsored challenges, community events or taking on the London Marathon, fundraising helps provide vital support for rhino conservation programmes across Africa and Asia.
If you’re passionate about protecting rhinos, consider joining the Save the Rhino community and starting your own fundraising journey.