In very exciting news, 120 southern white rhino have been translocated to different member reserves of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF) in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
This collaboration between GKEPF and African Parks is aimed at rewilding 2,000 southern white rhinos into secure protected areas in Africa over the next 10 years. Those 2,000 animals represent approximately 13% of the world’s population.
This initiative came about when African Parks purchased the world’s largest captive rhino breeding operation in September of 2023, following a failed auction that left the 2,000 rhinos at risk. The main objective of the initiative is to rewild all of the southern white rhinos to well-managed and secure protected areas in a continent-wide conservation effort, which will either establish or supplement strategic populations in an effort to de-risk the future of the species.
The idea is that by rewilding the rhinos, the healthy populations in South Africa can be bolstered and can benefit the populations on the entire African continent. This also allows the rhinos to fulfil their roles in their natural environment, while augmenting existing populations which have been dwindling due to poaching efforts. Rhinos will not be released into the Kruger National Park itself, but rather into private game reserves on the western boundary to strengthen the rhino metapopulation and lay a foundation for potential future collaboration as we continue the fight against poaching. For information, please email the
Rhino Rewild Q&A
Are the rhinos dehorned?
Yes. Safety is at the forefront of everyone involved in the process, and this includes dehorning the rhinos to decrease poaching risk. The poaching risk has been well calculated, and the translocation sites have been specifically chosen for optimal rhino health and safety. Ongoing efforts by African Parks and GKEPF and their donors contributes to ongoing monitoring - a critical element for long-term success in this initiative.
Will the rhinos behave differently if they have been rewilded?
Yes, there is a chance they might act differently to the rhinos already established in this area. These rhinos are more familiar with humans, and may approach vehicles or not move away. Please be cautious of this if you encounter them. So far, they are integrating really well.
Do we need to report rhinos if we see them?
Yes, please report any rhinos that you see to the Conservation team directly. It is critical that we have as many sightings reported as possible. Any rhino sightings should be reported, but especially if you notice a rhino with a tag in the ear and ear notches. Photos and videos would be the best option for reliable identification. Thank you!
by Tess Woollgar. Images courtesy of Michael Dexter and Cathan Moore.