Joe is a multi-skilled and highly versatile professional with deep expertise spanning law enforcement, security operations, and anti-poaching work. Driven by a lifelong commitment to wildlife protection, animal rights, and the preservation of endangered species, he specializes in bringing a high-level security approach to the world of conservation.

As the founder of Task Force Rhino, Joe plays a pivotal leadership role in shaping effective, ethical, and results-driven conservation strategies. He has recruited, vetted, and trained local personnel, often from diverse and challenging backgrounds, transforming them into cohesive, capable teams equipped to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems and respond to real-world threats.

Joe’s influence extends far beyond Africa. As an international tactical trainer and security advisor, he has provided advanced instruction to police and military forces across the globe, including specialized tactical units. His experience working directly with law enforcement, military, governmental, and private security organizations has made him a trusted expert on a wide range of operational, strategic, and tactical challenges.

With a reputation for professionalism, innovation, and unwavering dedication, Joe continues to drive forward the mission of Task Force Rhino: protecting wildlife through elite training, community-focused strategies, and real-world operational expertise.

Edward Merrick brings nearly three decades of frontline conservation experience, having served as a game ranger for over 29 years—including distinguished service as a staff sergeant and leader of an anti-poaching unit. His extensive time on the ground has given him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those defending wildlife, shaping his passion for training the next generation of rangers through Task Force Rhino. His instruction is rooted not only in theory but in the hard-earned lessons of real-world operations.

Edward’s expertise spans KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, and a wide range of both large and small game reserves across South Africa. Throughout his career, he has mentored individuals of all ages, guiding them through fieldcraft, bush skills, and the demands of conservation work. His contributions extend to research and veterinary support, ecological mapping, smart surveillance strategies using cameras and drones, and aerial monitoring operations.

One of Edward’s most distinctive strengths is his mastery of traditional tracking skills, preserved and passed down from Zulu warriors. These authentic, time-tested techniques add a unique dimension to his training, connecting modern conservation efforts with indigenous knowledge systems.

With this rare combination of operational experience, technological proficiency, and cultural insight, Edward Merrick is exceptionally equipped to prepare trainees for the realities of wildlife protection—ensuring they leave with the confidence, resilience, and practical skill required to operate effectively in the field.

Jabulani Khumbulani Shabangu is a dedicated and highly skilled anti-poaching ranger with years of frontline experience protecting wildlife across some of KwaZulu-Natal’s most respected Big 5 game reserves.

Having served with distinction at multiple high-profile conservation areas, he has built a reputation as a disciplined, reliable, and mission-driven conservation professional.

In addition to his field experience, Khumbulani plays a vital role within Task Force Rhino, serving as the organisation’s community liaison expert and advisor. Drawing on his deep local knowledge, strong communication skills, and experience engaging with diverse communities, he helps bridge the gap between conservation operations and the people living closest to wildlife reserves. His insight ensures that Task Force Rhino’s initiatives remain community-supported, culturally informed, and sustainable.

Khumbulani is formally trained as a Field Ranger and in Law Enforcement through the Southern African Wildlife College.

With his unique combination of field expertise, cultural insight, and community engagement leadership, Jabulani Khumbulani Shabangu is an invaluable asset to Task Force Rhino and to the broader mission of wildlife protection across Southern Africa.

Leticia Cox, known professionally as LensTraveller, is a wildlife crime investigative journalist and conservation photographer working across Southern Africa.

Her work focuses on endangered species, human–wildlife conflict, and the systems behind wildlife exploitation, with a particular emphasis on elephants, raptors, rhinos, pangolins, and apex predators.

With years spent in the field alongside conservationists, researchers, and enforcement teams, Leticia brings a rare combination of technical photographic expertise and real-world conservation insight.

Her approach to photography prioritises ethics, storytelling, and impact over spectacle, using imagery as a tool for awareness, accountability, and change.

As a Nikon photographer and instructor, she is deeply committed to education and mentorship, helping photographers move beyond equipment mastery to develop purpose-driven visual narratives.

Through workshops, investigations, and long-form storytelling, Leticia empowers photographers to become responsible wildlife observers and confident conservation storytellers.