Rwanda has announced the successful relocation of 70 southern white rhinos from South Africa. It was the largest operation of its kind. The animals were relocated more than 3,000 kilometers during a two-day journey from Munywana Conservation Area to Akagera National Park.
The initiative, coordinated by African Parks with support from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, is part of the broader Rhino Rewild Initiative. The aim is to increase population numbers and establish a safe breeding ground in Rwanda.
According to the Rwanda Development Board, the rhinos were transported in two batches of 35 by Boeing 747 and then by road, and are being kept under close veterinary supervision to help them adapt to their new environment and cope with the stress of the move.
Once widespread throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, the southern white rhino population has been declining due to colonial hunting and ongoing poaching. The subspecies is now classified as “threatened” by the IUCN, with an estimated 17,000 individuals remaining. According to the International Rhino Foundation, rhino poaching on the continent increased by 4% between 2022 and 2023, with 586 rhinos killed last year alone.
In contrast, the northern white rhino is on the brink of extinction, with only two surviving females.