South Africa Relocates 70 Rhinos to Rwanda Akagera Park

Seventy southern white rhinos have been successfully relocated from South Africa to Rwanda's Akagera National Park as part of African Parks' ambitious Rhino Rewild Initiative, aiming to restore and secure viable rhino populations across Africa. This move, funded by The Howard G. Buffett Foundation and supported by multiple conservation organizations, marks the largest rhino translocation of its kind and follows the earlier successful introduction of 30 rhinos to Akagera, whose population has since grown. The initiative involves relocating nearly 2,000 captive-bred rhinos acquired from the Platinum Rhino breeding operation, now renamed Rhino Rewild, to well-managed protected areas to combat threats from poaching and habitat loss. Rwanda's stable government support and Akagera's proven capacity for wildlife reintroduction make the park a critical stronghold for the species' long-term survival and potential expansion into East and Central Africa. Veterinary teams continue to monitor the rhinos closely to help them adapt to their new environment, addressing challenges faced by previous translocation efforts elsewhere on the continent. This large-scale conservation effort underscores Rwanda's commitment to environmental protection and sustainable tourism, enhancing the park's status as home to Africa's iconic 'Big Five.'