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In a spectacular win for black rhino conservation, KWS Director General Dr. Erustus Kanga flagged off the last leg of a nearly month-long translocation exercise, which saw three (3) eastern black rhinos moved from Nairobi National Park, Friday 2nd February, 2024. The rhinos were moved to their new home in Loisaba Conservancy, Laikipia County.
Coincidentally, February 2nd is set aside on the conservation calendar to commemorate World Wetlands Day, making the success of the translocation exercise a double win for Kenya’s conservation efforts.
As a result of Kenya’s concerted conservation efforts, some of the country’s 16 existing sanctuaries are nearing maximum capacity, which necessitated the creation of new ones offering ideal conditions: Suitable habitats, effective security and strong support from neighbouring communities.
The multi-stakeholder operation has seen more space won for the endangered rhino species, whose population experienced unprecedented growth to 1000 individuals today, up from a mere 240 in 1984. As a result of conservation efforts, Kenya now hosts the third-largest rhino population in Africa, after South Africa and Namibia.
Research shows that Kenya needs a stable number of 2,000 eastern black rhinos to sustain the species’ survival, in the face of threats such as climate change, disease, poaching and habitat loss. The Kenya Government has committed to achieving this goal.
KWS led the translocation operation, in which highly-skilled veterinarians and wildlife care specialists moved the rhinos – which can weigh up to 1,400 kilos – before trucking them to their new home.
The project was supported by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, The Elewana Collection and Space for Giants. In total 21 rhinos were translocated from Nairobi National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Lewa Downs to Loisaba Conservancy.
