Botswana Black Rhino Translocations

In late March, South African wildlife biologists launched an operation that will help re-establish a viable black rhino population in Botswana, where the species was previously extirpated.  Led by veterinarian Markus Hofmyer, a field team captured six black rhinos in Kruger National Park, acclimating them initially in protected shelters (bomas) before a planned translocation to Botswana’s Okavango Delta.  Eventually, an additional 10 animals will be captured in Northwest Parks for a similar move.  This project is a partnership between IRF and Wilderness Safaris, with support from the Tiffany & Co. Foundation, Leiden Conservation Foundation, Houston Zoo, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and the Taronga Conservation Society.