Conservation Group Liberates 2,000 Rhinos

In a recent auction, a South African farm housing a large herd of approximately 2,000 white rhinos failed to receive any bids. However, this turned out to be good news for the rhinos, as a private deal was made between conservation nonprofit African Parks and the farm’s owner, John Hume, a prominent hotel tycoon. According to National Geographic, African Parks intends to release the rhinos into the wild as part of a “rewilding” effort over the next decade. This announcement has been welcomed by BBC, as African Parks is known for effectively managing park and protected areas in various African countries.

The farm, called Platinum Rhino, occupies 33 square miles of land in South Africa’s North West province. To safeguard the rhinos from poaching, the exact location of the farm is undisclosed. These rhinos, as part of the largest captive rhino breeding program worldwide, represent around 10% of the surviving population of southern white rhinos. Founder John Hume initially established the farm with the goal of protecting rhinos by selling their horns, but the trade was never legalized. Hume estimated that the monthly cost of protecting the rhinos amounted to $425,000, which included security measures like helicopter patrols, as stated in auction documents.

African Parks will retain the farm’s entire staff, including multiple rangers, until the rhinos are relocated. The group is currently conducting feasibility studies to identify suitable locations that offer adequate protection against poaching, as well as sufficient food and water for the rhinos. According to project leader Donovan Jooste, the decision to move groups of rhinos together will be made on a case-by-case basis, but mothers and calves will not be separated. This initiative has been praised for its commitment to preserving and securing the future of rhinoceros populations. (Read more rhinoceros stories.)