White rhinos return to Kidepo Valley National Park after 43 years

Two white rhinos bred at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary were reintroduced to Kidepo Valley National Park on March 17 as part of a plan to eventually release eight animals; the species had been absent from the park since the last white rhino was killed by poachers in 1983.

Two white rhinos were moved to Kidepo Valley National Park on March 17, marking the first time the species has been in the park since 1983. The animals were bred and raised at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and were translocated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority as part of a broader restoration plan. UWA executive director Dr. James Musinguzi described the effort as the first step in restoring a species that once formed part of the park's natural heritage. UWA said it selected the site after a study of habitat, ecological requirements, and security conditions. Known details: - Two white rhinos were reintroduced to Kidepo Valley National Park on March 17. - The animals were bred and raised at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. - The move is part of a plan to eventually release eight rhinos into the protected area. - UWA said the rhinos are held in a secure sanctuary with perimeter fencing, access roads, firebreaks, ranger facilities, water infrastructure, and monitoring systems. - The Uganda Wildlife Authority stated the remaining six rhinos will be added in "carefully managed phases" and did not provide a timeline. Summary: The reintroduction restores white rhinos to Kidepo after more than four decades without the species and begins a phased effort to rebuild a population in the park. Uganda Wildlife Authority plans to add six more rhinos in carefully managed phases but did not provide a timetable for future releases. The agency reported the site was chosen following a study of habitat and security conditions.