Phinda rhinos doing well

THE recent relocation of black rhino into Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu Natal has gone better than expected. So says World Wildlife Foundation communications manager, Pam Sheriffs, who confirms that most of the rhinos seem to have settled. The relocation forms part of a wider project to boost the black rhino population to 1 000 in the KwaZulu Natal province and is the first of three planned relocation efforts. Phinda was chosen among other reserves that had expressed interest as the first home after it was determined as the most ready suitable environment. Other KZN properties, says Sheriffs, are on the shortlist for the additional relocations planned over the next two years. The programme, which may be extended after the initial three year phase, is being funded by WWF Netherlands and is an Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and WWF partnership. (Natalia Thomson)