WildLandscapes International is proud to be part of an ambitious effort to bring rhinos back to Uganda. Decades ago, black rhinos roamed Kidepo Valley National Park, but poaching and political unrest drove them to extinction. Today, thanks to the leadership of Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Uganda Conservation Foundation, and Northern Rangelands Trust, this vision is becoming a reality.
The construction of a 17,050-acre fenced sanctuary in the Narus Valley is already underway, marking a significant milestone in reintroducing rhinos to the park. The project will see the phased introduction of twenty white and 20 black rhinos. With robust security measures, real-time monitoring, and disease management protocols in place, the sanctuary will provide a safe space for rhinos to adapt and thrive before their eventual release into the wider park.
This initiative is about more than rhino conservation; it is a step towards restoring Kidepo’s ecological balance. As keystone species, rhinos play a vital role in shaping the savanna, promoting biodiversity, and supporting other wildlife. Their return will also bolster ecotourism, creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities in the Karenga region and beyond. Through conservation education and benefit-sharing programs, the project seeks to build strong local support, ensuring long-term success.
The Kidepo Rhino Reintroduction Project is the result of extensive collaboration. Uganda Wildlife Authority is overseeing regulation and enforcement, while the Uganda Conservation Foundation and Northern Rangelands Trust are leading implementation efforts. Partners including 51 Degrees, Wildlife Conservation Solutions, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria are providing expertise in habitat preparation, sourcing rhinos, and managing the translocation process. South African Parks and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary are playing a crucial role in supplying white rhinos, while local communities are engaged in conservation education, security monitoring, and ensuring the project benefits those who share the land with wildlife.
WildLandscapes International is committed to mobilizing resources, strengthening partnerships, and contributing conservation expertise to enhance the project’s impact and ensure long-term sustainability. With the sanctuary’s construction progressing, the next phases of rhino translocation and adaptation are set to begin. This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when conservation organizations, governments, and communities come together with a shared vision.
Bringing rhinos back to Kidepo is both a tremendous ecological milestone and a statement of Uganda’s commitment to biodiversity and conservation leadership. With continued support, this project will help secure the future of rhinos in Uganda and reestablish Kidepo as a haven for these iconic animals.
