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A Recent History of Rhino Conservation in East and Southern Africa

The 19th of March 2023 commemorates the 5th anniversary of the passing of Sudan, the last male Northern White rhino, who died of age-related issues at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya in 2018

Why it’s so important that we acknowledge the anniversary of Sudan’s passing is because he, as the last male remaining Northern White Rhino on earth, was key in conservation efforts to see the continuation of this sub-species of rhino.

The two remaining Northern White rhinos are both female (also located in Ol Pejeta Conservancy) and IVF efforts are underway, though do need a great deal of financial support to continue.

Video: “This Guy Takes Care Of The Last Two Northern White Rhinos On Earth | The Dodo Heroes” James Mwenda – Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Rhino conservation has, of course, been a pressing issue for several decades now, and some of the hard-hitting stats below really highlight the underlying issue that are being faced:

  • According to savetherhino.org, in South Africa 448 rhinos were poached in 2022. This represents one rhino being killed every 20 hrs!

  • From 2007 to 2014 South Africa experienced an exponential rise in rhino poaching – a growth of more than 9,000%. This is arguably the most pressing challenge for rhino conservation on the continent.   

  • It is estimated that since 2008, almost 12,000 rhinos have been poached throughout Africa, with the majority occurring in South Africa.

  • In the 1960s, Kenya was home to an estimated 20,000 black rhinos, but just a few decades later, poaching had reduced the population to less than 300 in the early 90’s.

Troy Smith Sudan in 2016
Photo: Troy Smith – Director of TrueAfrica with Sudan (2016)

All is not lost though, notably in terms of rhino conservation efforts in Kenya!

Impressively, Kenya was able to report that in the most recent 3 years (2020, 2021 and 2022) only 3 rhinos were poached (all in 2021) – so zero reported incidents in 2020 and 2022! As a result of remarkable conservation efforts and of cause the public’s support, it is now estimated that Kenya is home to 938 black rhinos and 873 white rhinos, the third highest rhino population in all of Africa.

With your support, we can all strive to maintain a zero-incident report in the future.

A big question on many of our traveler’s mind is is “how can we as individuals make a difference”?

  • One great way of contributing without even knowing is to travel! Just by paying park and conservation fees, you are actively contributing to anti-poaching efforts just by being there and helping to fund formal anti-poaching efforts!

Sudan pictured in 2016 is 45 years old. Photo.Ol Pejeta conservancy
Photo: Sudan, pictured in 2016.

Some of the incredible properties / conservancies that are leading the way in rhino conservation and who we’re proud to wholeheartedly support and applaud are:

Contact us if you’d like to discuss how you can assist in rhino conservation efforts – including options to join specific rhino conservation programs that a number of our preferred property partners run.

Fatu left and Najin right are the last two northern white rhinos left on the planet. Photograph. Gurcharan Roopra 1
Fatu (left) and Najin (right) are the last two northern white rhinos left on the planet. Photograph: Gurcharan Roopra

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