Rwanda receives 70 white rhinos in historic conservation push

Rwanda has received 70 southern white rhinos from South Africa in the largest rhino translocation effort ever recorded on the continent, as part of a major push to strengthen conservation and restore the species’ presence in the country.

The animals were sourced from Munywana Conservancy and moved in two groups of 35.

After being flown to Kigali, they were transported by road to Akagera National Park, completing a journey of over 3,400 kilometres.

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) confirmed the successful transfer in a statement on Tuesday.

The effort is part of the Rhino Rewild initiative led by African Parks, which aims to establish strong rhino populations in safe, well-managed areas across Africa.

"The final phase of the 3,400km journey involved the rhino being transported by truck in individual steel crates from Munywana to King Shaka International Airport in Durban," the RDB said.

"They were then carefully loaded by cranes into a Boeing 747, flown to Kigali International Airport, and finally transported to Akagera National Park by road."

The rhinos have now been released into Akagera National Park, where they will be closely monitored by a team of veterinarians to ensure they adapt well to their new environment.

The team will observe their health and behaviour and manage any stress following the relocation.

The project is a continuation of efforts that began in 2021, when 30 southern white rhinos were translocated from South Africa’s Phinda Private Game Reserve to Akagera.

RDB noted that the rhinos were gradually exposed to conditions similar to Akagera, including naturally occurring diseases such as trypanosomiasis, during the preparation stage.

RDB said the operation took months of detailed planning and risk assessment.

"Translocations are highly complex operations that demand months of meticulous planning and thorough risk assessments by world-renowned translocation and veterinary experts before implementation," it said.

RDB CEO Jean-Guy Afrika said the effort marks a major step in Rwanda’s conservation work and aligns with the country's broader goals for wildlife protection and tourism.

"Our commitment to protecting endangered species is closely tied to our vision for sustainable tourism, where thriving wildlife and well-managed protected areas like Akagera National Park create long-term value for both visitors and communities," he said.

"We thank our partners for their continued collaboration and shared commitment to safeguarding Africa's natural heritage."