Posted in by Buffalo Kloof on January 17, 2025

Celebrating Conservation Leadership:

Warne Rippon’s Nomination for the Beretta and SCI Foundation Award

In a remarkable testament to dedication and innovation in conservation, Warne Rippon, founder of Buffalo Kloof, has been nominated for the prestigious Beretta and SCI Foundation Conservation Leadership Award for the second consecutive year. The award gala will take place on January 21, 2025, in Nashville, during the Safari Club International Show, bringing together leaders and visionaries in conservation from around the globe.

About the Beretta & SCI Conservation Award

This prestigious award honours individuals who exemplify the hunter-conservationist philosophy, blending extensive international hunting experience with a deep commitment to wildlife conservation and education. Nominees are recognised for their volunteer service, philanthropy, and efforts to promote sustainable practices that benefit both wildlife and communities.

Warne’s nomination for the Beretta and SCI Foundation Conservation Leadership Award highlights his pivotal role in driving innovative conservation strategies and setting a new standard for sustainable, fair chase hunting practices in Africa. Achieved just seven years after joining the hunting show community in America, this milestone reflects Buffalo Kloof’s rapid progress and the commitment fueling its conservation success.

Pioneering Conservation Through Rewilding

Warne Rippon’s journey to this nomination began far from the spotlight, herding sheep on horseback as a child in South Africa. Growing up in the Eastern Cape, Warne witnessed a landscape where much of the wildlife had disappeared due to unsustainable practices in earlier decades, fuelling his drive to restore and protect the region’s biodiversity. After founding and successfully running a steel company in Johannesburg, Warne returned to the Eastern Cape in 2010, fully committed to his vision of rewilding and conservation. Over the years, this passion evolved into action. In 1999, Warne and his wife Wendy laid the foundation for Buffalo Kloof by acquiring a 2,000-acre property in the Eastern Cape, a project that has since grown into a 54,000-acre haven for wildlife and biodiversity.

A Vision for Ethical Hunting

A firm advocate for the hunter-conservationist philosophy, Warne champions a balance between hunting and eco-tourism. Buffalo Kloof stands as one of the first destinations to successfully merge these two sectors, demonstrating that ethical hunting and non-consumptive tourism can coexist. Warne has consistently emphasised the need for transparency and innovation within the hunting industry, urging it to operate ethically and adapt to modern conservation challenges.

Despite his advocacy, Warne wouldn’t describe himself as an avid hunter but rather as someone who understands hunting’s critical role in conservation. Much of his time is spent traveling with his dog, Mumford, and a rifle, focusing on hunting for habitat management purposes. Additionally, Warne enjoys annual biltong hunting trips with friends and time spent outdoors.

His approach is rooted in education, working tirelessly to bridge the gap between hunting groups and those who oppose it, emphasising the undeniable link between responsible hunting and habitat preservation.

Achievements That Speak Volumes

Growing from 2,000 to 54,000 acres since the early 2000s, Buffalo Kloof has reintroduced thousands of big game animals and antelope. Since 2019, in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the conservancy has successfully established a thriving population of black rhinos—a significant step in conservation. Buffalo Kloof has also rewilded cheetahs and reintroduced elephants, tapping into the Eastern Cape’s potential as a vital habitat for these species. Alongside these larger species, Buffalo Kloof has seen the natural return and protection of smaller but equally vital creatures, such as birds, dung beetles, and a diverse range of plant life. This rich biodiversity is a testament to the holistic approach to conservation, ensuring that both large and small species thrive together. Today, Buffalo Kloof stands as a beacon of hope for wildlife restoration and an exceptional destination where visitors from around the world can witness the remarkable results of dedicated conservation efforts.

A Family and Team-Driven Vision

While Warne’s leadership has been instrumental, he’s the first to acknowledge that Buffalo Kloof’s success is a collective effort. Wendy Rippon, described as the “matriarch” of Buffalo Kloof, has been a steadfast partner, balancing Buffalo Kloof’s ambitious goals with thoughtful guidance. Their children, Hannah and Taylor, are deeply involved in the project, carrying forward the family’s conservation legacy.

The Buffalo Kloof team – professional hunters, ecologists, guides, anti-poaching units, chefs, grader drivers, hospitality professionals, and management—embody the spirit of unity that sets the conservancy apart. Together, they have built a conservation model that is as much about people as it is about wildlife.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

This nomination is a testament to the unwavering support of Buffalo Kloof’s clients, guests, donors, and supporters—thank you for believing in this vision. It is through this collective effort that the conservancy has become a global example of conservation excellence. As the award gala approaches, Buffalo Kloof remains committed to its mission of preserving natural spaces, rewilding landscapes, and inspiring others to join the journey. Warne Rippon’s nomination is not just a recognition of his leadership but a celebration of a team, a family, and a vision that continues to redefine conservation and hunting in the Eastern Cape of South Africa and beyond.

A Personal Note from Warne Rippon

“It’s truly an honour to be nominated and recognised for the efforts that have shaped my life. These efforts, which have become a lifelong commitment, are driven by a passion to make a difference. It’s a privilege to walk this path, knowing that the work we do has a lasting impact—even in conservation, where there is no finish line.

Nothing truly remarkable is possible without dedication, enthusiasm, energy, resilience, and above all, teamwork. I’m deeply grateful for every person who has contributed to this journey—none of this would be possible without you. 

Tomorrow is never promised, and it is our responsibility to make every effort count.” 

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