This week, a pivotal moment for wildlife conservation unfolded as ten critically endangered black rhinos were successfully translocated from South Africa to Zinave National Park in Mozambique. This marks a significant step in restoring the black rhino population, which has been locally extinct in the region for over fifty years.

The initiative was made possible through the generous donation of these rhinos by South Africa’s provincial conservation entity, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, in collaboration with Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) and the Peace Parks Foundation. Financial support from players of the UK People’s Postcode Lottery has also played a crucial role in this undertaking.

The 10 rhinos — comprising of five males and five females — were carefully sourced from the Ithala Game Reserve and Ezemvelo’s three Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. The animals were initially relocated to Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, where they underwent preparations and were kept in specially designed holding facilities, ensuring their well-being before embarking on the ambitious 48-hour journey to their new home.

“This is a significant conservation success. We congratulate the Government of Mozambique and its co-management partner, Peace Parks Foundation, on achieving this important milestone,” said Dr Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

“Establishing new founder populations is one of many critical interventions to secure the future of these species.”

Since the first translocation in 2022, which involved the longest road transfer of rhinos ever undertaken, Zinave National Park has been steadily rebuilding its wildlife population. With the addition of these 10 rhinos, there are now 37 black rhinos in the park, responding positively to conservation efforts aimed at enhancing biodiversity in Mozambique’s only ‘big five’ national park. The broader initiative aims to create viable breeding populations and foster ecological restoration, setting a new benchmark for wildlife conservation across the continent.

The successful translocation process was conducted with stringent compliance with legislation set by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Management Inspectors (EMIs) and officials from the Border Management Authority (BMA) played instrumental roles in ensuring that all permits were obtained and adhered to throughout the journey.

Pejul Calenga, Director General of ANAC, expressed his gratitude towards the South African Government and all partners involved, emphasizing the milestone this represents for Mozambique’s conservation efforts.

“For the year 2025, this will be the first translocation of rhinos to our country, and we are pleased with this process,” he said. He extended an invitation to conservationists and tourists alike to explore Mozambique’s natural treasures.

Sihle Mkhize, CEO of Ezemvelo, reiterated the commitment to the survival of rhinos in Africa and celebrated the successful relocation of healthy animals. Echoing this sentiment, Werner Myburgh, CEO of Peace Parks Foundation, highlighted the extensive rewilding and restoration program at Zinave, which supplements the goal of establishing a healthy ecosystem that supports local communities and boosts tourism.

The collaborative effort, underscored by a co-management agreement between ANAC and Peace Parks, aims to create a sustainable environment for wildlife and promote socio-economic benefits for nearby communities. To date, over 2,540 game animals representing 16 species have been successfully introduced to Zinave, culminating in the significant achievement of reintroducing both black and white rhinos just within a few years.

With these latest additions, Zinave National Park is poised to become a unique haven for wildlife, contributing to the broader objective of conserving endangered species and enhancing biodiversity across Africa. The monumental strides taken in recent years offer a hopeful narrative for conservationists and nature enthusiasts across the globe.

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