Good News & Success Stories

[Matias]

South Africa Sends 30 Wild White Rhinos to Rwanda in Largest-Ever Single Translocation for Conservation

30 wild white rhinos have been successfully translocated from South Africa to Rwanda in the largest ever single translocation effort, aimed at establishing a new stronghold for the species in Akagera National Park

KIGALI, RWANDA: In the largest single rhino translocation ever undertaken, 30 white rhinos have been successfully translocated from &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa to Akagera National Park in Rwanda.

AndBeyond Travel revealed in a post today – 29 Nov – from Rwanda: “30 years ago, when our dream started, there was not a single white rhino on &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. Now, 30 years later, we were able to take part in the largest ever rhino translocation in partnership with African Parks and Rwanda Development Board (RDB), with funding provided by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. (Howard’s father is billionaire and philanthropist Warren Buffett.)

In a joint press release, the parties said the historic initiative aims to extend the white rhino range and create a secure new breeding stronghold in Rwanda, supporting population growth to ensure the long-term survival of the species in the wild as high-levels of poaching in South Africa continue to exert unsustainable pressure on current populations. 

andBeyond Travel said the aim is to create a “new secure breeding stronghold in Rwanda where the population can grow and thrive.”


Over the next six weeks, the rhinos will be closely monitored on a daily basis by a dedicated team, and a specialist veterinarian, as they acclimatise to their new home. Each rhino has been fitted with a transmitter to enable constant monitoring, plus a canine anti-poaching unit and helicopter surveillance are also in place to provide further support for their long-term protection.

The RDB and African Parks have been partners in the management of Akagera National Park since 2010, transforming by overhauling the law enforcement and putting robust community programmes in place, allowing for wildlife to increase with key reintroductions of lions in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017 and 2019.

“Thanks to a significant improvement in security, as well as crucial community programmes, they have ensured that this is a safe and ideal environment for the continual reintroduction of new species,” said andBeyond.

“We are incredibly proud to have partnered with these organisations in this historic move to ensure the longevity of an iconic species like the white rhinoceros.”

Akagera is poised to become a globally important sanctuary for black and now white rhinoceros, vital for the conservation of these incredibly threatened species.

The 30 rhinos – 19 females and 11 males – were flown to Rwanda from South Africa, and transported to Akagera National Park on Saturday (27 Nov). Their journey covered a total distance of over 3,400 km and forms the largest single rhino translocation in history.


Link: HERE Reply