In a remarkable union of conservation and craftsmanship, Pete Richardson, co-founder of the world’s first baby rhino orphanage, has made an exciting acquisition. Pete has acquired The White Rhino Gin Company Ltd and the Urban Rhino gin brand, marking a significant milestone in his journey while introducing a limited-edition legacy batch that is set to captivate gin enthusiasts worldwide.
Pete Richardson, a dedicated conservationist, was working in The Waterberg area of Limpopo in South Africa when the devastating rhino poaching crisis hit the headlines back in 2012. Alongside fellow conservationist Arrie van Deventer, Pete took action to save the orphaned babies and together, they established the world’s first purpose-built facility – The Rhino Orphanage.
Despite now residing in the UK, Pete remains an active director of the orphanage, tirelessly working towards protecting and rehabilitating these magnificent creatures. Through his connection with the orphanage, Pete crossed paths with Belinda Chaffer, the driving force behind Waterberg Rhino UK, who introduced him to the owners of The White Rhino Gin Company.
Enthralled by the shared vision, Pete expressed his excitement about this unique opportunity, stating, “When I met Belinda and the owners of the company, it felt like destiny. We quickly realized the incredible potential to build a global brand with Urban Rhino gin while supporting the remarkable conservation efforts of both Waterberg Rhino UK and The Rhino Orphanage. I’m thrilled about the possibilities that lie ahead.”
Crafted with meticulous care, Urban Rhino is an exceptional London dry gin that has garnered high praise from customers and businesses alike. Distilled at the award-winning In the Welsh Wind distillery in Wales, its superior quality and exquisite taste have captivated gin enthusiasts worldwide.
John Heeds, one of the original founders of Urban Rhino, expressed his delight in having Pete on board to lead the brand forward. He said, “From our very first conversation, I was struck by Pete’s passion, and his links to rhino conservation made it an easy decision to hand over the business to him and his team. We are proud of what we have achieved so far, but we couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds for the company, of which myself and our fellow founders are still actively involved.”
As part of the acquisition, Pete secured a small stock to create an exclusive and individually numbered legacy batch, providing a sneak peek into the exciting plans that await this end of summer.
These limited-edition legacy bottles are now available for purchase through the Urban Rhino website at urban-rhino.com, giving gin enthusiasts the opportunity to indulge in a unique gin experience while making a meaningful contribution to rhino preservation.
Urban Rhino Gin perfectly embodies the harmonious blend of conservation and indulgence. With every sip, supporters of Urban Rhino join the movement to protect these majestic creatures from the looming threat of extinction. It’s not just a gin; it’s a symbol of hope and a powerful way to make a difference.
So, raise your glass and toast to the remarkable journey of Pete Richardson and the incredible work being done to safeguard the future of these magnificent rhinos. Cheers to conservation, craftsmanship, and the spirit of making a positive impact, one sip at a time.