By Edmund Salaho – Kilimanjaro
Wearing a full rhinoceros costume, British environmental activist and Save the Rhino International ambassador Chris Green — widely known as “Rhino Boy” — has successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in a campaign to raise funds and global awareness about the growing threat facing one of the world’s most endangered species.
Green completed the six-day ascent and descent of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak and famously known as the “Roof of Africa,” after beginning his journey on January 16, 2026.
Speaking to journalists on January 21, shortly after returning from the summit, Green described the challenge as physically exhausting but emotionally fulfilling.
“I’ve walked to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and back,” he said. “Physically, I feel like the world’s most exhausted rhino. But emotionally, I feel full of joy and hope.”
He credited his success to the strong support he received from Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) officials, mountain guides, porters, and fellow climbers.
“My heart is full of hope because the only way I could do this was through the support of Tanzanians,” he said. “Everyone came together to help this ‘rhino’ reach the summit. This shows that when we work together, we can protect the environment, strengthen conservation efforts, and save rhinos.”
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a demanding feat under normal conditions, but Green said wearing a heavy rhino costume made the experience even more challenging.
“Every day the mountain felt bigger and the challenge greater,” he said. “At times it felt impossible. But nothing is impossible when you give it your heart and soul, especially when surrounded by kind people.”
Green said his motivation throughout the climb was driven by his deep love for rhinos and the urgent need to protect them. Five rhino species worldwide are currently classified as endangered, including the African black rhino, which continues to face threats from poaching and habitat loss.
“Rhinos are my favourite animals,” he said. “They represent what we should strive to be as humans — gentle, humble, and strong. It breaks my heart to see them at risk of extinction. I had to do this to raise awareness so that together we can create change.”
According to Save the Rhino International, the global population of all five rhino species is estimated at around 27,000. Although poaching rates have declined compared to previous years, illegal wildlife trade remains a serious threat. In South Africa alone, at least one rhino is still killed by poachers every day — with about 420 rhinos killed in 2024 and 195 in the first half of 2025.
Green praised Tanzania and its conservation institutions for their commitment to wildlife protection, awarding TANAPA a “ten out of ten” rating for conservation performance.
“Since arriving here, I’ve been met with nothing but kindness and love,” he said. “They could have found many reasons to say no, but instead they found every reason to say yes.”
Concluding his remarks, Green urged the global community to take collective action to safeguard wildlife and prevent rhino extinction.
“I feel like all of Tanzania is standing behind me and behind Save the Rhino — an organisation I’m proud to represent,” he said. “With friends like these, anything is possible. Let’s protect wildlife. Let’s save rhinos.”
