Mozambique has completed the final phase of a major rhino translocation programme with nine female white rhinos successfully moved to Zinave National Park.
The latest arrivals bring the total number of white rhinos introduced to the park to 39, joining 22 critically endangered black rhinos already reintroduced to Zinave.
According to the partners, the white and black rhino populations established in Zinave are the first viable founder populations of both species in a Mozambican national park. Both species have already bred following their reintroduction.
The rhinos are protected within a high-security sanctuary supported by ranger capacity, surveillance systems, monitoring technology and specialised protection infrastructure.
The reintroduction is part of Zinave’s broader restoration as Mozambique’s first Big Five national park and supports the recovery of the wider Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area. The programme was undertaken by Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC), Exxaro Resources and Peace Parks Foundation with support from South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Zinave was depleted of wildlife during years of conflict. Since 2015, 2 431 animals across 16 species have been reintroduced to the park, including elephants, buffalo, leopards and hyenas, increasing the wildlife population to just under 10 000 animals.
The restoration programme is being implemented under a 20-year co-management agreement between the government of Mozambique and Peace Parks Foundation.
“This translocation marks a chapter of pride and hope in Mozambique’s conservation journey,” said Pejul Calenga, Director-General of ANAC. “By returning white rhinos to Zinave, we are not only securing the future of a keystone species but also restoring ecosystem balance, creating investment opportunities in the wildlife economy, supporting local community development and demonstrating what is possible when partners work together for nature.”
