Sophie Cuevas

The first time I saw a baby rhino at the Golola Rhino Orphanage And Rehabilitation Centre approach the boma gate, her eyes locked straight onto the milk bottle I was holding, one I’d just helped freshly prepare. She stomped gently towards me, her small feet thudding softly against the dusty ground.

What struck me most was the level of care and precision that goes into every detail to help these little rhinos survive, and I contributed to that. From preparing the right milk formula to monitoring the animals’ progress day by day, every action matters. 

Being able to meet people on the ground who live and breathe this work was inspiring. I spoke with team members who’ve collaborated with scientists, conservationists, even nuclear physicists on anti-poaching technology, but what stood out most was their humility; they weren’t in it for recognition. They were in it for the rhinos.

One of my most memorable moments at the project was observing the vet team as they carefully fitted a new custom cast for one of the rhinos recovering from a leg injury due to a lion attack. They explained each step with such patience and knowledge, making me realise that conservation isn’t always glamorous, but it is deeply meaningful. It was a rare privilege, something I had quietly hoped for but didn’t expect. That moment made everything feel more impactful. It went beyond your daily tasks like prepping pellets, which are, of course, important, but seeing the bigger picture made everything click. It makes you realise that the money that I spent on this trip is actually going towards helping, and that’s the kind of transparency and purpose you hope for.

When at the project, one of the things that surprised me most was the scale of the work. You think of an orphanage and imagine tiny babies, but you start your morning feeding rhinos that are like towering creatures that feel more like something out of a dream. Even after a long-haul flight, I felt lucky just to be there. To stand that close, in their presence, doing something that actually matters. That’s a kind of joy that’s hard to explain.

And sure, some moments are uncomfortable. You’re down in the dirt, sweeping up leaves, cleaning enclosures, sweating in the sun, but every single task contributes to their wellbeing. These animals have already lost so much and they deserve a safe, clean, quiet place to recover.

This trip really opened my eyes to conservation. If I had to tell people about what I had learned during my trip, I would say ethics is so important. Look past the glossy photos and ask questions, and do your research. The focus should always be on the animals and their welfare. At Golola, they approach it in the right way. They are very clear, they want these little orphans to have a future in the wild, which means there are rules to follow. That is how I knew they were a genuine conservation project.

One of the biggest things I learned is how important it is to choose a project that truly aligns with your values. When you’re passionate about what you’re doing, everything just feels easier and so much more rewarding, too. African Conservation Experience (ACE) really helped me figure that out. During my consultation, I initially thought I’d go for an experience focused on big cats - but after talking about my background fostering kittens and my natural nurturing instinct, they suggested something more hands-on with vulnerable animals, one where I could really make a difference.

I feel lucky, I feel happy, I feel like this is what I'm meant to be doing and where I'm meant to be at the right place at the right time in my life. This trip meant everything to me. It didn’t just teach me about rhinos; it taught me about myself, about what really matters.