Zakouma National Park Welcomes New Black Rhinos After Decades of Extinction

Zakouma National Park in Chad welcomed five black rhinos to join a surviving pair, aiming to reestablish a sustainable western black rhino population after local extinction over four decades ago. The rhinos traveled 4,400 km from Limpopo, South Africa, with stops in Zambia and Burundi, via a C130 military aircraft. A previous translocation in May 2018 brought six rhinos, but four died shortly after release. African Parks led the effort. Park manager Cyril Pélissier expressed commitment to conservation. The park has seen a 40% increase in elephant population since 2010 and no elephant poaching for about seven years. Black rhinos remain critically endangered, with 6,487 individuals in Africa in 2022 and 561 killed by poachers that year.

Zakouma National Park in Chad welcomed five black rhinos to join a surviving pair, aiming to reestablish a sustainable western black rhino population after local extinction over four decades ago. The rhinos traveled 4,400 km from Limpopo, South Africa, with stops in Zambia and Burundi, via a C130 military aircraft. A previous translocation in May 2018 brought six rhinos, but four died shortly after release. African Parks led the effort. Park manager Cyril Pélissier expressed commitment to conservation. The park has seen a 40% increase in elephant population since 2010 and no elephant poaching for about seven years. Black rhinos remain critically endangered, with 6,487 individuals in Africa in 2022 and 561 killed by poachers that year.

Zakouma National Park in Chad welcomed five black rhinos to join a surviving pair, aiming to reestablish a sustainable western black rhino population after local extinction over four decades ago. The rhinos traveled 4,400 km from Limpopo, South Africa, with stops in Zambia and Burundi, via a C130 military aircraft. A previous translocation in May 2018 brought six rhinos, but four died shortly after release. African Parks led the effort. Park manager Cyril Pélissier expressed commitment to conservation. The park has seen a 40% increase in elephant population since 2010 and no elephant poaching for about seven years. Black rhinos remain critically endangered, with 6,487 individuals in Africa in 2022 and 561 killed by poachers that year.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of black rhinos / reintroduction.