Reintroduction of Rhino in Serengeti National Park

Reintroduction of Rhino in the Serengeti

With its sturdy build, menacing horn and impenetrable hide, it is hard to imagine that the fate of the rhinoceros – one of the iconic Big Five – hangs in such a delicate balance. Over the past several decades, the rhino population in the Serengeti ecosystem has suffered greatly due to poaching, with rhino numbers decreasing from 1,000 to less than 70 individuals.

In an effort to save the rhinos from extinction, seven Eastern Black Rhino were transported from East Africa in 1961 to a private reserve in South Africa. The rhinos thrived in this protected area with their numbers quadrupling during their long-term visit.

In an extraordinary conservation effort, 32 rhino – descendants of the seven transplants – will be reintroduced to the Serengeti over the next two years. Last month, the first five were flown into the Seronera area and received a warm Tanzanian welcome.

In order to protect the newly introduced rhinos, radio-transmitters will be implanted in their horns and they will be guarded around the clock by specially-trained rangers, the Serengeti Rhino Protection Unit (SRPU).

JVSmith rhinos Serengeti Reintroduction of Rhino in the Serengeti

Photo taken near the Moru Kopjes in Serengeti National Park in March 2010
by Thomson Safaris guest, Joseph V. Smith

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4 responses to "Reintroduction of Rhino in the Serengeti"

Caitlin June 30, 2010 at 3:34 pm

WONDERFUL NEWS….now if we can just stop the road….maybe the rhinos can sway the developers.

Jelle Boef August 21, 2010 at 5:01 am

What an awesome sight! I have never yet seen the Simja Moru Kopjes rhinos out when in the Serengeti ….

And for those not yet convinced: Minister, that road through the Serengeti really is a bad idea! What about a true accountable and transparant ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT? Any EIA would turn this down 300%!!!

carl nehring May 30, 2011 at 1:24 pm

I will be in the northern serengeti [kogatende] area this coming september. Is it true there is a possibility of seeing black rhino in that area or east to bologonja? I would appreciate any information in regards to rhino location. Thank you in advance. Carl Nehring

Thomson Safaris May 31, 2011 at 12:09 pm

Anything is possible on safari however rhino sightings in the Serengeti are rare. Most recently, some of our guests spotted one in February but it was quite a bit south of Kogatende. If you are lucky to see one, let us know! Safari njema!

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