Balancing Profit and Preservation: Sustainable Strategies for Wildlife Management in South Africa

This paper analyzes the ethical, economic, and strategic dilemmas faced by Kruger National Park following government funding cuts that led it to sell rhinos at auction. While this decision generated short-term revenue, it contradicted the park's conservation mission and exposed it to reputational and ecological risks. Using stakeholder mapping, materiality assessment, and risk analysis, the paper identifies key threats — including extinction, poaching, and NGO backlash — and opportunities such as international partnerships, technology adoption, and new revenue models. Recommendations focus on rebalancing the park's natural, social, human, and financial capitals through actions like monetizing conservation expertise, fostering ecotourism and film partnerships, leveraging technology for anti-poaching efforts, and increasing international entry fees. The study concludes that long-term sustainability for Kruger Park depends on aligning its financial strategies with its conservation values and meaningfully engaging local communities in protecting wildlife.