In the savannahs of central Kenya, a remarkable journey has unfolded as 21 eastern black rhinos have been successfully returned to the grassy plateaus of the Loisaba Conservancy. This area had not seen these majestic creatures in nearly 50 years.
Conservationists are celebrating this monumental effort, which marks Kenya’s largest rhino relocation ever. The initiative aims to provide the critically endangered eastern black rhinos with ample space to breed, offering a vital boost to their dwindling population.
“It’s been decades since rhinos roamed here,” said Daniel Ole Yiankere, security manager at Loisaba Conservancy. “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 rhinos were transferred from three overcrowded parks to the conservancy, where herds had been decimated by poaching decades ago. The 18-day operation was a significant logistical challenge. Teams tracked the rhinos via helicopter, tranquilizing them with darts before carefully loading the one-ton animals into trucks for transport.
An early hurdle arose when a tranquilized rhino stumbled into a creek. Quick-thinking veterinarians and rangers used ropes to hold the rhino’s head above water, preventing it from drowning while administering a reversal drug.
This successful relocation not only offers hope for the future of the eastern black rhino but also serves as an inspiring example of wildlife conservation efforts worldwide. The meticulous planning and collaboration displayed in Kenya highlight the global commitment to preserving endangered species.
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Rhinos are returned to a plateau in central Kenya after great efforts
cgtn.com
