Renson Mwakandana
Despite a 12% decline in the species’ global population over the previous four years, the number of white rhinos that were transported to a sanctuary in Rwanda last year is growing.
The 30 white rhinos were sent from South Africa to Akagera National Park in Rwanda, where they became the first of their kind to live there.
Following the recent birth of new calves, their numbers have increased to 35 and they are currently “thriving well,” according to Drew Bantlin, a park officer. He continued to say that all calves were growing and healthy. They are starting to move widely with their mothers and are showing normal behaviour.
According to the International Rhino Foundation (IRF), poaching pressures are causing the worldwide white rhino population to continue to fall.
The foundation notes that the numbers have decreased from about 18,000 to less than 16,000 during the past four years.