The Rhino Hunter

Corey Knowlton, a professional hunter, paid $350,000 for a hunting trip to Namibia in 2014 to shoot and kill an endangered species. As a seasoned hunter, traveling to Africa was not new to him, but the target and subsequent attention he received were unprecedented. The hunting trip sparked controversy, with Knowlton receiving death threats as he prepared for the hunt. Producer Simon Adler followed Knowlton on this journey, exploring the complexities of conservation in the 21st century. Along the way, Adler spoke with various individuals, including Namibian hunters and government officials, American activists, and Richard Leakey, Kenya's former Director of Wildlife. The episode aimed to uncover the true meaning of conservation in the modern era. The production team, including Matthew Kielty, received help from several individuals, including Chris Weaver and Ian Wallace. The team also expressed gratitude to the Lindstrom family and the staff at the Aru Game Lodge in Namibia. The episode was reported and produced by Simon Adler, with additional thanks to Sarah Fogel, Ray Crow, and Diogo Veríssimo. The Radiolab team encouraged listeners to support their work by becoming members and donating at Radiolab.org/donate.