After 17-Year Absence, White Rhinos Return To The DR Congo

June 15, 2023

White rhinos have made a triumphant return to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after nearly two decades of absence.

On June 10, sixteen southern white rhinos were released into DRC's Garamba National Park.

Translocation à Garamba

Nous sommes particulièrement heureux de vous faire part d'une initiative inédite visant à rétablir l'équilibre écologique dans l'un des plus anciens parcs nationaux d'Afrique ! (1/4)#WhiteRhinoTranslocation #RhinoToGaramba #WhiteRhinoInDRC #AfricanParks pic.twitter.com/g469GZtb36

— Garamba National Park (@GarambaPark) June 10, 2023

"16 Southern White Rhinos have been successfully translocated from Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa to Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo," park officials said.

"This important transfer constitutes a major step in the restoration of the ecological balance and the preservation of the unique faunal heritage of the Garamba National Park. The southern white rhinoceros will play a crucial role in the park's ecosystem."

The last white rhino in the park was poached in 2006.

The successful operation was led by the ICCN, conservation NGO African Parks, and Canadian mining firm Barrick Gold, which sponsored the rhino move.

More southern white rhinos are expected to be sent to Garamba National Park in the future.