African Parks has completed a landmark translocation of 70 white rhinos from South Africa to Rwanda’s Akagera National Park.
In partnership with the Rwanda Development Board and funded by The Howard G Buffett Foundation, the translocation is part of the organisation’s 10-year Rhino Rewild Initiative. The initiative will see the relocation of 2 000 southern white rhinos – acquired from rhino breeder John Hume in 2023 – to safe and well-managed protected areas across Africa.
Peter Fearnhead, African Parks CEO, said: “The arrival of these rhinos in Akagera is just the beginning of this multifaceted, long-term and complex conservation intervention. Numerous risks still remain but, with the safe arrival of all 70 animals, and with a dedicated Akagera park management team, they have a real opportunity to thrive. The coming months of intensive monitoring will be critical to ensuring the long-term adaptation of these rhinos to their new home.”
The translocation was completed in two phases with the rhinos moved in two groups of 35, firstly within South Africa from the Rhino Rewild site to the Munywana Conservancy in KwaZulu-Natal. After an acclimatisation period, the rhinos were transported by truck from Munywana Conservancy to King Shaka International Airport, flown to Kigali and then transferred to Akagera.
In 2021, African Parks moved 30 southern white rhinos to Akagera. This population has naturally grown to 41.
A dedicated veterinary team will closely monitor the health and behaviour of the rhinos for several weeks to ensure proper adaptation to their new environment and management of any stress associated with the move.
