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March 22, 2026
Uganda reintroduces rhinos to Kidepo Valley National Park after 43 years as restoration begins
Uganda has moved the first rhinos to Kidepo Valley National Park in 43 years as part of a plan to restore populations lost to poaching in the 1980s
TL;DR
- Two southern white rhinos have been relocated to Uganda's Kidepo Valley National Park.
- This marks the return of rhinos to the park after a 43-year absence, following their extinction due to poaching in the early 1980s.
- The relocation is part of a plan to restore the lost population, with a total of eight rhinos intended for transfer.
- Years of preparation, including building a sanctuary and monitoring systems, preceded the move.
- Rhinos will be kept in a secure sanctuary before integration into the wider park.
- Conservation efforts since 2005 at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary have helped rebuild Uganda's rhino population to over 60.
- The return is expected to enhance biodiversity and tourism.
- Uganda also relocated four rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve in January.
- Kenya recently opened a large rhino sanctuary, highlighting broader African conservation efforts.
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