Project Rhino's Aerial Patrol Wings
The Zululand and Midlands Aerial Patrol Wings provide rapid aerial surveillance and response across multiple reserves, dramatically increasing the range and speed of anti-poaching operations. Our aircraft act as eyes in the sky, helping to protect South Africa's iconic wildlife - especially rhinos - from poachers.
Eyes in the sky for frontline conservation
Founded in 2012, the Zululand Anti-Poaching Wing, known as ZAP-Wing, has grown into a critical anti-poaching intervention. With two aircraft in Zululand and an additional aerial wing based in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, known as MAP-Wing, the operations now safeguard more than 800,000 hectares of conservation and protected land.
From above, our pilots and spotters detect suspicious activity, guide ground teams and respond rapidly to threats. Working closely with conservation agencies, SAPS, anti-poaching specialists and the Project Rhino K9-Unit, ZAP-Wing has played a key role in numerous arrests, disrupted poaching syndicates and recovered illegal weapons and wildlife products. By providing constant aerial visibility, we create a strong deterrent to poachers and other criminals.
Aerial support that strengthens every reserve response
The Aerial Patrol Wings extend the reach of anti-poaching teams by combining visibility, rapid response and intelligence support across large protected landscapes.
Daily aerial patrols
Monitoring reserves from above and spotting early signs of poaching threats before they escalate.
Rapid response support
Deploying aircraft quickly and directing ground teams in real time during active incidents.
Search and rescue missions
Assisting with searches for missing or injured wildlife across difficult and remote terrain.
Transport support
Moving Anti-Poaching Units and K9 teams into hard-to-reach areas when time is critical.
Intelligence gathering
Tracking suspicious vehicles and investigating illegal activity across reserve boundaries.
Joint coordination
Supporting the Joint Operations Centre at the ZAP-Wing airfield, a strategic hub for conservation agencies, SAPS, the Hawks and multi-agency anti-poaching teams such as Operation Rhino 9.
Keep the wings in the air
The ZAP-Wing has proven to be an essential tool in fighting wildlife crime since 2012, but the project relies entirely on donations for its survival.
Donate or fundraise
Support the aircraft, teams and operations that help protect rhinos across KwaZulu-Natal.
Spread the word
Follow and share Project Rhino updates on social media to help raise awareness and grow support.
Help protect wildlife from above.
Every contribution helps keep aerial surveillance active and gives frontline teams the visibility they need to respond faster.