In a union of conservation and craftsmanship, Pete Richardson, co-founder of the world’s first baby rhino orphanage, has acquired The White Rhino Gin Company Ltd and the Urban Rhino gin brand.
This unique development not only marks an exciting milestone for Pete but also introduces an exclusive limited-edition legacy batch for gin enthusiasts around the world.
Pete Richardson, 57, was working in The Waterberg area of Limpopo in South Africa when the rhino poaching crisis hit the headlines back in 2012.
Along with conservationist Arrie van Deventer, Pete was part of the team that took action to save the orphaned babies and went on to establish the world’s first purpose-built facility – The Rhino Orphanage.
Pete remains an active director of the orphanage, despite now living in the UK. Through this connection, 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 stated: “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.”
Urban Rhino is a London dry gin distilled at the In the Welsh Wind distillery in Wales.
John Heeds, one of the original founders of Urban Rhino said he was delighted to have Pete on board to take 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 a very easy decision to hand on the business to him and his team. We are very proud of what we have already achieved but couldn’t be any more excited about what the future holds for the company which myself and our fellow founders are still actively involved with.”
As part of the acquisition, Pete secured a small stock to create an exclusive and individually numbered legacy batch. These limited-edition legacy bottles are now available for purchase through the Urban Rhino website.