Business Case Studies & Business Publications

The Black Rhino

Freeman, R. Edward...

Case

The Black Rhino

Freeman, R. Edward; Harris, Jared; Mead, Jenny; Cook, Sierra; Bailey, Trisha

E-0363 | Published March 8, 2012 | 16 pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

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John Hume, a veteran game farmer and founder of the Mauricedale Game Ranch in South Africa, was deeply troubled by the record upsurge in black rhino poaching incidents and black-market horn thefts in 2010 and 2011. While the endangered black rhino represented only one segment of Mauricedale's hunting and farming businesses in 2011, the animal's survival was an important component of the ranch's and industry's growth potential in the future. As both a businessman and a rhino advocate, John Hume was contemplating an innovative idea that might help stop the decline of the black rhino: the creation of a market for legalized black rhino hunting. As he pondered the possibilities and alternatives to determine what his next move should be, Hume had several questions on his mind: Was the legalization of the international sale and trade of rhino horns a viable solution? Was it Hume's responsibility to save the black rhino, and was the animal a good investment?

Identify stakeholders and define the rights, responsibilities, obligations, values, and needs of each. Present tensions between a thriving industry that some consider unethical and the benefits of this industry to the environment and society at large. Increase students’ awareness of creative-capitalist solutions to societal problems.