Dozens of southern white rhinos have been released into the wild in South Africa as part of a groundbreaking initiative by the NGO African Parks.
This project aims to rewild 2,000 rhinos across protected areas in Africa over the next decade.
The southern white rhino, once hunted nearly to extinction in the late 19th century, has made a gradual recovery due to extensive protection and breeding programs. The rewilding initiative, named “Rhino Rewild,” began with the release of 40 dehorned rhinos into the Munywana Conservancy in KwaZulu-Natal province.
Barbara Creecy, South Africa’s Environment Minister, expressed strong government support for the initiative. African Parks, a Johannesburg-based non-profit organization funded by donors including the EU, USAID, and independent international foundations, purchased the world’s largest rhino farm in September.
This 7,800-hectare farm in South Africa was home to 2,000 rhinos.
South Africa, which hosts nearly 80 percent of the world’s rhino population, faces significant challenges from poaching driven by demand in Asia, where rhino horns are used in traditional medicine.
This ambitious project represents a crucial step towards ensuring the survival and growth of the southern white rhino population in their natural habitat.
