From Poaching to Protection: Relocation of Rhinos From South Africa to Rwanda
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From Poaching to Protection: Relocation of Rhinos From South Africa to Rwanda

by Chinazor Ikedimma on Jun 27, 2025

White rhinos were once a common sight across sub‑Saharan Africa. From the open plains of Kenya and South Africa to the wetlands of Rwanda, these massive and majestic creatures roamed the land in great numbers. But over the last century, their populations have been ravaged by large‑scale poaching and hunting, a crisis that peaked during the colonial era and has only worsened in recent years.

According to the International Rhino Foundation (IRF), rhino poaching across Africa surged by 4%from 2022 to 2023. At least 586 rhinos were poached in 2023 alone, largely to feed the illegal trade in rhino horn. The statistics are sobering. The southern white rhino, one of the subspecies, is now classified as “near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with roughly 17,000 individuals still in existence. Meanwhile, the northern white rhino has been pushed to the brink of extinction, with only two mature adults left.

Amid this crisis, conservation efforts are taking bold new steps. In what has been called the largest rhino translocation of its kind, 70 southern white rhinos have been successfully relocated from South Africa to Rwanda. The initiative, part of an ambitious rewilding project, saw the rhinos make a remarkable journey — over 3,400 kilometres (around 2,112 miles) — from the Munywana Conservancy in South Africa to Rwanda’s Akagera National Park. The rhinos were transported in two groups of 35, first by air via a Boeing 747 and then by truck to their new home.

Why move rhinos across countries? The answer is simple: to save them. Akagera National Park, located in central Africa, is a protected wetland area where the rhinos can roam, breed, and thrive in a safe environment. Rwanda has invested heavily in anti‑poaching measures, making Akagera one of the best‑protected habitats for endangered species in the region.

This translocation goes beyond just numbers. By introducing a new population of southern white rhinos to Rwanda, conservationists are creating a genetically diverse and resilient group that can adapt and grow, increasing the species’ overall chance of survival. It also serves as an ecological victory for Rwanda, supporting its role as a regional stronghold for endangered species and reinforcing its reputation as a global conservation hub.

For the rhinos themselves, this journey marks a new chapter. No longer confined to shrinking habitats or threatened by poachers, these gentle giants now have a chance to live long, healthy lives in a protected environment

In an era where extinction threatens many species, relocating these 70 rhinos brings hope. It shows that when nations, organizations, and communities unite, it is possible to reshape the future for endangered species.

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1 comment

  • Steven
    Jun 30, 2025 at 02:38

    Very good read.

    Reply

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