Watch Milking the Rhino

Milking the Rhino is a fascinating documentary that explores the relationship between humans and wildlife in Africa. The film takes place in two different communities in Africa and shows how they each approach the conservation of their natural resources. The first community is the Maasai people of Kenya, who have long coexisted with the wildlife on the savannahs of East Africa. Since the arrival of colonialism, however, the Maasai have been forced to adopt a more sedentary lifestyle, which has led to conflicts with wildlife. In response, the Kenyan government created a network of parks and reserves that restrict Maasai access to these areas. Milking the Rhino follows one Maasai man, Ole Ntutu, as he struggles to find a way to balance his traditional way of life with the pressures of modernization and conservation.

The second community is the Himba people of Namibia, who live in one of the most remote and desolate regions of Africa. Like the Maasai, the Himba have struggled to coexist with wildlife. In the 1990s, however, a group of conservationists introduced a new approach to wildlife management: community-based conservation. This approach involves giving local people the responsibility and authority to manage their own natural resources. Milking the Rhino follows one Himba woman, Marlice van Vuuren, as she and her family work to protect the wildlife of Namibia and build a sustainable future for their community.

Throughout the film, we are introduced to a wide array of characters, from conservationists and park rangers to farmers and herders. We see how their lives are intertwined with the wildlife around them and how they have had to adapt to changing circumstances over the years. We also see the conflicts that arise when different groups have competing interests, and how compromise and cooperation are essential to finding solutions.

The title of the film refers to the practice of domesticating African wildlife, such as rhinos, for commercial purposes like milk production. While this practice is controversial, it is presented as an example of how conservation and economic development can work together to create sustainable livelihoods for local people. We see how many of the characters in the film are involved in these sorts of enterprises, and how they are able to benefit from the resources around them without harming the environment.

Overall, Milking the Rhino is a thought-provoking and engaging documentary that sheds light on the complex issues facing conservation in Africa. It presents a nuanced and balanced view of the challenges and opportunities involved in protecting wildlife and supporting local communities, and it does so with empathy and insight. Whether you are interested in conservation, anthropology, or just want to learn more about life in Africa, this film is well worth watching.