Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) translocated two southern white Rhinos from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda to the Kidepo Valley National Park on March 17. This signifies the species’ long-awaited return to the area after no sightings for over four decades.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, James Musinguzi, Executive Director of UWA, said: “This moment marks the beginning of a new rhino story for Kidepo Valley National Park. The translocation of these rhinos is the first step in restoring a species that once formed part of the park’s natural heritage. Over time, additional rhinos will be introduced to gradually rebuild a viable and thriving rhino population in Kidepo.”
The rhinos will be closely monitored by trained rangers and veterinary teams within a secure sanctuary in the park.
Wild rhinos once roamed widely across the park. Following their extinction in Uganda, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary started a breeding programme in 2005, with eight rhinos from South Africa. This increased the country’s total to 61 rhinos.
