In June 2024, 120 southern white rhinos were successfully translocated to reserves within South Africa’s Greater Kruger region.
This monumental move is part of the ambitious Rhino Rewild program led by African Parks, which seeks to reintroduce 2,000 rhinos into secure protected areas across Africa over the next decade.
The initiative comes after an earlier successful relocation of 40 rhinos to the Munywana Conservancy in May 2023.
Background and Goals
The Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF), a collaborative alliance of nine private reserves and one national park, played a pivotal role in this historic project. Established in 2016, GKEPF aims to enhance conservation efforts around the Kruger National Park (KNP), where effective anti-poaching measures have recently led to a significant drop in poaching rates.
The translocation follows African Parks’ acquisition of the world’s largest captive rhino breeding operation in September 2023. This acquisition prevented the animals from being auctioned off and likely dispersed, putting their safety at risk. Instead, African Parks’ goal is to establish or bolster sustainable populations in well-managed protected areas, ensuring the species’ long-term survival.
Peter Fearnhead, CEO of African Parks, underscored the significance of the initiative, stating:
“This translocation will enhance the existing rhino population in the Greater Kruger region and enable these animals to fulfill their ecological roles.”
The project’s importance goes beyond numbers. It symbolizes a growing effort to address the damage caused by decades of poaching and habitat loss.
Significance of the Initiative
The relocation of these rhinos marks a turning point for conservation efforts in the region. Sharon Haussmann, CEO of GKEPF, highlighted the collaborative nature of this undertaking:
“This rewilding reflects years of dedicated anti-poaching efforts and strategic partnerships.”
Unlike previous efforts, this rewilding initiative involves releasing the rhinos into private reserves adjacent to KNP rather than the park itself. This strategy not only strengthens the rhino metapopulation but also supports future collaborative conservation efforts. The aim is to bolster genetic diversity while maintaining robust security to protect these vulnerable animals.
The release areas were carefully chosen for their fertile grasslands and abundant water resources, providing an ideal habitat for rhino health and population growth. To further protect the translocated rhinos, they arrive dehorned—a method proven to deter poachers.
Markus Hofmeyr, a wildlife veterinarian closely involved in the project, shared the historical significance of this step:
“This marks the first reintroduction of rhinos into this landscape in approximately 50 years.”
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Community Involvement and Future Plans
The success of this operation is rooted in collaboration. Multiple organizations and stakeholders joined forces to ensure the rhinos’ safety and secure their future. African Parks donated the rhinos, while GKEPF’s network of donors covered transportation and monitoring costs.
The translocation also received governmental backing. Barbara Creecy, South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment, expressed her support:
“On behalf of the government of South Africa, we were very supportive of African Parks’ plan to purchase and rewild these rhino.”
The broader impact of this initiative extends to local communities and economies. Well-managed reserves not only protect wildlife but also draw eco-tourism, creating jobs and generating revenue. These benefits make conservation a shared responsibility and a mutually beneficial endeavor for humans and wildlife alike.
Looking ahead, African Parks aims to replicate this model across multiple protected areas in Africa. As Fearnhead explained:
“Our vision is to translocate them to multiple well-managed protected areas across Africa.”
This rewilding is a milestone in the fight to save this iconic species. It represents a tangible step forward, built on years of dedicated conservation work, strategic planning, and unwavering collaboration. While challenges like poaching and habitat loss persist, initiatives like Rhino Rewild offer a blueprint for how to tackle these issues effectively.
By combining scientific expertise, grassroots involvement, and governmental support, this effort proves the power of collective action. As the rhinos continue to settle into their new homes, they carry the hope of a brighter, more sustainable future for their species—one that ensures their survival and restores their role in Africa’s ecosystems.
With continued funding, community involvement, and international attention, the dream of rewilding 2,000 rhinos across Africa is no longer a distant possibility. It’s a mission in progress, proving that even in the face of adversity, conservation can prevail.