Stretch Goal - Raise Funds for Reward - Justice for Anton
Donation protected
FINAL UPDATE: The Campaign to Raise Funds for a Reward for Information Leading to a Conviction, and to Support Focused Conservation, a US nonprofit directly working with the Investigation in South Africa to gather evidence and build the case, is now on Given Gain and can be found at justiceforanton.org.
Please continue to support this fight for Justice for Anton Mzimba!
UPDATE: Thanks to your support we've reached our original funding goal. I will continue updating this page as we make progress on these projects.
If you would like to support a reward for tips related to Anton's case, or to directly help support the investigation, please consider donating more or reaching out to me directly. We could use an additional $3k for reward funds and another $5k to support the investigation. We are making progress!
Thank you! -John
Help John Jurko Make the Final Push for Rhino Man and Bring Justice for Anton
Over the last 7 years, I have poured everything I have—my time, energy, resources—into creating the film Rhino Man. This is not just a documentary; it’s a mission to honor our planet's wildlife rangers and the life and legacy of Anton Mzimba. Together with the team and organization, we have given everything to fulfilling our promise, and we've accomplished so much.
Now, I’m asking one last time for your support. This time to take Rhino Man to the World Ranger Congress, allow me to attend the United for Wildlife Global Summit in South Africa, and help me advocate for justice for Anton by sharing his story with global conservation leaders and South African officials. These are critical opportunities to shine a light on Anton's work and bring international attention to the fight against poaching.
I have several key opportunities to advocate for Rhino Man, the rangers, and Anton:
World Ranger Congress (COMPLETED)
With your help we had an incredible screening in front of over 200 rangers from around the world. This gathering of rangers from across the globe is a crucial event where conservation leaders, rangers, and wildlife defenders come together to share experiences, strategies, and solutions to protect wildlife and support those who risk their lives doing so. Rhino Man tells a story that resonates with the real threats these rangers face, and it’s essential that Anton’s message reaches them. These brave individuals, are facing increasing dangers, especially in places like Kruger National Park. By screening the film, we can help show that their stories are bing told.
United for Wildlife Global Summit (COMPLETED)
At this summit, I will have the opportunity to engage directly with world leaders, law enforcement, and policymakers who are actively involved in fighting wildlife crime. United for Wildlife, founded by Prince William, brings together organizations and individuals from all sectors to combat illegal wildlife trafficking. This is another chance to connect with officials and law enforcement who can take meaningful action based on the lessons from Rhino Man. By sharing Anton’s story at this summit, I can help bridge the gap between the rangers in the field and the global systems working to support them, advocating for stronger measures to protect those who risk their lives to safeguard endangered species.
UPDATE: Prince William once again mentioned Anton's name during his speech at the United for Wildlife Global Summit in Cape Town. You can read more about it here. This is a big win for raising more awareness around his case.
Advocate for Justice for Anton (PRESS KIT CREATED)
Personally, the most important goal with this fundraiser is to provide support to help me advocate for justice. It's been over 2 years since Anton was murdered at his home, and there have yet to be any arrests. I am creating a massive press kit, which will include over 100k petition signatures, dozens of major news articles written on Anton's case, and a description of the importance of his role in conservation. If I receive enough funds I will print these press kits off and hand deliver them to the appropriate officials, drawing much needed attention to his case. You can still sign his petition at justiceforanton.org
UPDATE: The press kit has now been hand delivered to the Environmental Minister, Dion George, and the National Director of Public Prosecutors, Adv. Shamila Batohi, both of who are dedicated to raising the priority of Anton's case.
Cape Town Screening (COMPLETED)
Because of your help we are now organizing a premiere of Rhino Man in Cape Town on November 7th. This will give a broader audience of South Africans a chance to see Anton’s story, drawing further attention to his case and the ongoing threats rangers face in the region. Tickets available at: https://www.utickets.co.za/events/rhino-man--cape-town-premiere
UPDATE: We had an incredible Cape Town Premiere of RHINO MAN, with 150 in attendance at the Nu Metro Cinema. The audience was extremely moved and they spent an hour taking photos and talking with the rangers and the team. We've also connected with some folks willing to support the investigation.
Why This Matters
Anton’s assassination was not an isolated incident. Poaching syndicates continue to target and intimidate rangers in Kruger National Park and beyond. By attending these events and screening Rhino Man, I can shine a spotlight on the urgent need for justice in Anton’s case. His murder must not go unanswered, and bringing global attention to this issue can put pressure on local authorities to act. Moreover, it’s crucial to send a message to the world that those who risk their lives to protect wildlife deserve the strongest protection and support.
How Your Donation Will Help:
- Travel Costs: Cover the expenses for attending the World Ranger Congress and United for Wildlife Summit, both critical events to share Anton’s story. Additional funds will go toward attending the Wildscreen Panda Awards and for moving around South Africa for potential press and law enforcement engagements. (Flights and Lodging is not cheap.)
- Printing Costs: Support the creation of an Anton Mzimba press kit to share with influential leaders and organizations, advocating for justice in his case. With dozens of major articles, over 100k petitions signed, and awards won, a book size press kit will be printed and delivered to the right people at the right time.
- Event Costs: If I raise enough funds I will put a portion of these toward a Cape Town event.
In Addition (IN PROGRESS)
If we raise more than expected, I will consider putting the extra funds toward offering a reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for Anton's murder. If the reward goes unclaimed, the funds will go directly to the Rhino Man social impact campaign to continue spreading the message Anton lived and died for.
Anton’s legacy is too important to let fade. I and the team have given everything to this mission, but I can’t do it alone. Your donation, no matter the amount, will make a real difference—not only in helping me bring Rhino Man to these crucial events but in our shared fight for wildlife and justice.
Together, we can make sure Anton’s voice and sacrifice continue to resonate across the globe.
Thank you for your support.
Full Disclaimer: These funds will be going directly to me (John Jurko II), not to the nonprofit or any organization. This is an ask to directly aid me in my travel costs and supplies needed to advocate for the film and Anton.
I have invested thousands of hours and all of my personal funds/savings over the years directly into this film and cause. During this time I have never taken a dime from any funds raised for the completion of the film. Many times I have used my own money to pay for travel, equipment, software, and festival submissions to keep the project moving forward.
This is my own personal mission to carry the torch across the finish line before I move on to focus on other projects. Nobody has asked me to take push this far, but I feel I owe it to my friends and to the rangers. Most will not understand, but this is my final battle cry.
Again, thank you for all of the support you've given over the years. I and the team are forever grateful.
Organizer
John Jurko II
Organizer
Decatur, GA