By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Ten black rhinos have been translocated from South Africa to Zinave National Park in Mozambique, joining 37 others to establish the first founder population since the species became extinct in the country 50 years ago.
A founder population refers to a group of individuals introduced to a new area to establish or re-establish a species population.
The initiative was made possible through the generous donation of five male and five female rhinos from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, South Africa’s provincial conservation authority, in collaboration with Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) and the Peace Parks Foundation.
Their arrival also strengthens the park’s status as Mozambique’s only protected area hosting “the big five” game animals.
Located in southern Mozambique’s Inhambane province, Zinave National Park now plays a crucial role in regional conservation efforts.
Dr. Dion George, the minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, hailed the successful transfer as a tremendous conservation milestone.
“Establishing new founder populations is vital for securing the future of these species,” he said, praising the efforts of the Mozambican authorities and peace conservation partners.
The journey that led to this success story began in 2024, with Ezemvelo’s esteemed Game Capture Unit capturing the selected rhinos at various game reserves.
After being housed in specially prepared facilities at Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, the rhinos were well cared for while awaiting their 48-hour journey to the lush habitats of Zinave.
Pejul Calenga, Director General of ANAC, expressed immense gratitude to the South African Government and their partners for facilitating this pivotal restoration of Mozambique’s wildlife.
“We are pleased with this process and invite everyone to contribute to protecting our conservation areas,” Calenga stated, highlighting the complexities of this translocation as the first of its kind in 2025.
Moreover, on-the-ground management and meticulous planning were vital to ensuring compliance with international regulations.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Management Inspectors collaborated closely with officials from the Border Management Authority to verify all necessary permits were in order before the rhinos embarked on their journey.
This successful operation follows the initial translocation of rhinos to Zinave in 2022, which launched Mozambique’s efforts to restore its black and white rhino populations.
Significant support from the UK People’s Postcode Lottery, including a £800,000 funding initiative in 2023, has been instrumental in enabling this latest important phase.
“Our commitment to rewilding critically endangered species is at the heart of our mission,” stated Clara Govier, Managing Director of the UK People’s Postcode Lottery. “This historic translocation wouldn’t have happened without the collective efforts of many.”
The overarching aim of this collaborative rewilding project, initiated with a co-management agreement between ANAC and Peace Parks signed in 2015, strives to create a healthy ecosystem while attracting tourism and enhancing the livelihoods of local communities.
Thus far, 2,540 game animals from 16 different species have been introduced to Zinave, and the recent addition of black rhinos is considered a pinnacle achievement within this wildlife reintroduction programme.