Conservationists in Kenya are celebrating a significant milestone as 21 eastern black rhinos have been successfully relocated to a grassy plateau in central Kenya. This historic move marks the largest rhino relocation in the country’s history, providing the critically endangered animals with new space to breed and thrive.
The rhinos were transferred from three overcrowded parks to the private Loisaba Conservancy, an area that had not seen rhinos in nearly 50 years due to severe poaching. Daniel Ole Yiankere, Loisaba’s security manager, expressed his excitement, saying, \"It's been decades since rhinos roamed here. Their numbers were severely impacted by poaching. Now, our focus is on rejuvenating this landscape and allowing rhinos to breed, aiming to restore their population to its former splendor.\"
The 18-day operation presented numerous challenges, including tracking the rhinos via helicopter and safely tranquilizing and transporting each animal, which weighs about a ton. A near-disaster occurred early in the relocation when a tranquilized rhino stumbled into a creek. Quick action by veterinarians and rangers, who held the rhino’s head above water and administered a reversal drug, prevented a tragedy.
This successful relocation not only aids in increasing the rhino population but also demonstrates Kenya's commitment to wildlife conservation. By moving the rhinos to a safer, less populated habitat, conservationists hope to protect these majestic animals from future poaching threats and ensure their survival for generations to come.
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Rhinos are returned to a plateau in central Kenya after great efforts
cgtn.com
