Southern white rhinos – a subspecies of the white rhino – are being relocated to Akagera National Park in the north of the country, near the border with Tanzania, in a joint operation between the Government of Rwanda, the South African NGO African Parks and other conservation partners.

As the park's director, Ladislas Ndahiriwe, explained to the Spanish news agency EFE, these white rhinos completed a 3.400-kilometer journey that was carefully managed to ensure the animals' safety and well-being.

This ambitious project aims to establish a safe breeding population and support the long-term conservation of this species, which is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and poaching.

“This event represents an important milestone in rhino conservation and demonstrates our collective commitment to the protection and sustainable management of Akagera National Park,” explained Ndahiriwe.

"Reintroduction also enriches Rwanda's biodiversity and increases the attractiveness of our tourism offering, which focuses on high-value wildlife," he added.

With an estimated wild population of 17.000 individuals and the rise in poaching, this transfer represents a crucial step towards preserving this iconic species.

The southern white rhino was on the brink of extinction in the early 20th century, but has recovered thanks to intensive conservation efforts. However, it continues to face serious threats, particularly due to the illegal trade in its horn, which is highly valued in some markets.

Rwanda is establishing itself as an increasingly important player in African conservation, as this operation follows the one carried out in 2021, when 30 white rhinos were introduced into Akagera. Prior to these initiatives, the country already had more than 20 black rhinos in its territory.