Odendaal began her career in 2005 as a Black Rhino Monitor at Manyoni Private Game Reserve (formerly Zululand Rhino Reserve). Rising through the ranks, she became General Manager, overseeing conservation programs and strategic park management. She played a critical role in navigating the reserve through a severe drought crisis in 2015 and 2016, implementing adaptive resource management strategies to protect wildlife during this challenging period.
In 2015, she took on the role of Chief Operating Officer at the Zululand Conservation Trust (ZCT), spearheading conservation and community engagement projects. She was instrumental in implementing a full-scale rhino dehorning strategy at Manyoni in 2016 to combat poaching, significantly reducing rhino poaching incidents in the reserve. Her leadership also led to the establishment of the Zululand Rhino Orphanage in 2017, providing care for rhino calves orphaned due to poaching.
Publications
Karen Odendaal has co-authored important research on black rhinos, contributing to scientific knowledge of their behavior and conservation needs:
"Disturbance and habitat factors in a small reserve: space use by establishing black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)" – Published in the South African Journal of Wildlife Research, this study examines the effects of human disturbance and habitat characteristics on black rhino movement and space utilization.
"Reductions in home-range size and social interactions among dehorned black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis)" – Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in June 2023, this research analyzed 15 years of data from 10 game reserves, revealing that dehorned rhinos exhibited a 45.5% reduction in home-range size and a 37% decrease in social interactions. While dehorning reduced poaching-related mortality, the study highlighted potential long-term behavioral impacts.
Media Appearances and Productions
Odendaal's work has been widely recognized in documentaries and television productions featuring Manyoni Private Game Reserve and its conservation initiatives: 60 Minutes (CBS, 2018) – Featured in a segment titled "The Rhino Crisis," discussing the impact of poaching and rhino orphanages.
Breaking Their Silence: Women on the Frontline of the Poaching War (2019) – A documentary showcasing women fighting against poaching, including efforts at Manyoni Private Game Reserve.
My Wild Backyard (2020) – A wildlife series featuring an episode filmed at Manyoni, highlighting conservation efforts in the region.
Animal Mega Moves – Featured in an episode showcasing the complexities of relocating large animals for conservation purposes.
African Animal Rescue – Focused on rescue and rehabilitation efforts for Africa’s wildlife. Various promotional and conservation films – Including projects with Toyota South Africa and wildlife-focused films about pangolins and rhino protection.
Legacy and Continuing Work
Karen Odendaal remains a leading figure in rhino conservation, actively contributing to policy discussions, scientific research, and on-the-ground efforts to protect South Africa’s iconic wildlife. Her leadership in dehorning strategies, strategic park management through environmental challenges, and commitment to wildlife rehabilitation continue to shape the future of rhino protection and broader conservation efforts in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
