Ten black rhinos made up of five males and five females have been successfully translocated from South Africa to Zinave National Park in southern Mozambique.

This is to help secure the first founder population of the critically endangered species, where they become locally extinct five decades ago.

The initiative involved South Africa’s Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, who donated the rhinos, Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas, Peace Parks Foundation, and the players of the UK People’s Postcode Lottery, who funded the project.

Mozambique Wildlife Alliance veterinarian HagnÉsio Chiponde says it this is a huge opportunity for Mozambique.

“It’s a huge milestone for us as Mozambicans, to have more black rhinos here in the country. We know how emblematic, how important these animals are, how endangered these animals are at the moment. Now, we’re in position to join efforts in order to protect the species. It’s a huge opportunity for other Mozambicans, especially the communities around the park, so that they also need to join forces with the park and the government to protect such a species,” says Chiponde.

Ten black rhinos translocated to Mozambique