Trending Now - Uganda Reintroduces Rhinos to Area After 40 Years of Extinction

WHO:

Ugandan wildlife authorities

James Musinguzi, executive director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority

Jeff Morgan, executive director of Global Conservation

Global Conservation

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

WHAT:

Rhinos were reintroduced into Kidepo Valley National Park.

Two southern white rhinos were reintroduced on March 17th, 2026.

Two additional rhinos arrived on March 19th, 2026.

There have been no rhinos in Kidepo Valley National Park since 1983.

More rhinos are expected to be relocated later in 2026, including some from Kenya.

WHERE:

Kidepo Valley National Park, northeastern Uganda

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, central Uganda

The relocation distance is more than 400 kilometers (250 miles).

WHEN:

Rhinos were reintroduced on March 17th, 2026, and March 19th, 2026.

Rhinos have been extinct in Kidepo Valley National Park since 1983.

The breeding program at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary began in 2005.

WHY:

The reintroduction is part of efforts to support the recovery of a species threatened by poaching.

Poaching remains a problem due to high demand for rhino horn products in parts of Asia.

HOW:

Local wildlife authorities collaborated with multiple conservation groups to relocate rhinos.

The new habitat has fence lines, access roads, and fire management infrastructure.

(UPDATED March 21, 2026 01:24 UTC)

In a significant conservation effort, two southern white rhinos were reintroduced into Kidepo Valley National Park in northeastern Uganda on March 17, followed by two more on March 19, marking the first time rhinos have been in the park since 1983. This initiative, led by Ugandan wildlife authorities and Global Conservation, aims to support the recovery of a species that has been threatened by poaching, which continues to be a major issue due to high demand for rhino horn products in parts of Asia. More rhinos are expected to be relocated later this year, with plans to bring some from Kenya, as the new habitat has been equipped with necessary infrastructure like fence lines and access roads.