Coffee for the Rhinos
The Origin of Coffee for the Rhinos
At Zarraffa’s Coffee, our ethos has always been more than just a cup of coffee.
What began as a daily ritual, grew into a deeper responsibility. To the farmers who grow our coffee, the communities it supports, the environments that surround them and the wildlife that lives amongst them.
Our Founder and Managing Director, Kenton Campbell, always believed Zarraffa’s was destined to be more than a thriving coffee business. He felt the brand had a greater purpose that extends beyond the cup, and after a life-altering health scare, that feeling sharpened into clarity.
Kenton travelled to Africa, venturing to the heart of Kenya where he had the opportunity to connect with local farmers from coffee growing communities. It was there that reaffirmed the value and importance of conservation, to protect both the wildlife and the livelihoods of those who live alongside them.
Kenton’s love for conservation has been deeply rooted into the brand since the beginning, and for over 10 years Zarraffa’s has been supporting conservation efforts in our backyard and globally.
Coffee for the Rhinos is the story that shaped our conservation journey. It’s where our purpose became clear. A journey shaped by lived experience, long-term partnerships, and a belief that coffee can create lasting impact beyond the cup.
Through Coffee for the Rhinos and thanks to the help of our loyal customers, Zarraffa’s is able to turn everyday coffee moments into meaningful support for wildlife conservation.
Why does Rhino conservation matter?
Rhinos are an endangered species due to rampant poaching by illegal horn trade and due to this, sadly they are at the brink of extinction.
White Rhinos consist of two distinct subspecies, the Northern White Rhinos which are critically endangered, and the Southern White Rhinos which are near endangered. The Southern White Rhino has a population of around 16,800, while the Northern White Rhino unfortunately only has two females remaining, Najin and Fatu. They are living under 24-hour armed guard at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, and scientists are researching and using advanced reproductive technologies in the aim to prevent extinction.
Although poaching is illegal, it is still the main threat to their existence. These rhinos are a vulnerable species as they live in herds and are less aggressive making them easier to be poached. Rhinos are also facing habitat loss due to agriculture and settlements.
It is with this that rhino conservation has far reaching benefits – the World Wildlife Fund explains:
“In almost all rhino conservation areas, there are other valuable plants and animals. The protection of rhinos helps protect other species. Rhinos contribute to economic growth and sustainable development through the tourism industry, which creates job opportunities and provides tangible benefits to local communities living alongside rhinos.” (Source: World Wildlife Fund)
Protecting rhinos means protecting ecosystems, livelihoods and future generations. This is why Coffee for the Rhinos is such an important initiative for Zarraffa’s Coffee.
Supporting Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
For the past decade, Zarraffa’s has proudly supported conservation organisations that focus on protecting the endangered rhinos’ species, such as the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Meru, Kenya featured in our documentary. Lewa’s work has been crucial to the survival of rhinos and their 62,000 acre wildlife conservancy in Kenya homes 14% of the entire rhino population.
In 2024 alone, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy supported the birth of 33 rhinos, a powerful sign of hope for the species.
“Lewa works closely with communities, supporting their daily lives and including local people as the first line of defence against poaching gangs. Lewa also recognises the importance of having a well-trained and motivated ranger team, providing all rangers with safe and effective equipment so that they can do their jobs well every day, and ensuring all members of the team are regularly trained to improve and embed vital skills needed for their difficult jobs.” (Source: Save the Rhinos)
What is the purpose of Coffee for the Rhinos?
Looking ahead, Zarraffa’s mission to protect wildlife and their environments continues.
In 2024, the brand entered a 10 year partnership with Wildlife Warriors, established by Steve and Terri Irwin to protect injured and threated or endangered wildlife.
This collaboration represents the brand’s largest conservation initiative yet, pledging $500,000 to support vital conservation efforts.
Through Wildlife Warriors, Zarraffa’s have committed to supporting the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which continues to lead the charge in black rhino conservation for this iconic species in East Africa.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy homes the largest single population of the Black Rhino in East Africa, with 182 rhinos protected in their care.
This is why at Zarraffa’s your support goes beyond the counter. Here’s a snapshot of how we’re making an impact on rhino conservation through our partnerships:
Funding ranger salaries on the ground who are at the frontline of illegal poaching to protect the rhinos.
Investment in education by providing annual scholarships for children in communities neighbouring Ol Pejeta.
Improvements to infrastructure to preserve the critical habitats of the rhinos - giving them a sanctuary to call home.
Together, we are able to further conservation and community efforts to protect endangered wildlife, preserve rhino habitats and support a sustainable future. As our journey evolves, one belief remains unchanged - Zarraffa's has always been more than just a cup of coffee.
With your help, we can make a difference… one cup at a time.
Interested to learn more about Coffee for the Rhinos and how every cup is making a difference? Find out below!