10 Southern White Rhinos Translocated to Loisaba Conservancy in National Conservation Effort
By Chemtai Kirui, Laikipia,
Ten southern white rhinos have been moved to Loisaba Conservancy from Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Meru National Park as part of the country’s strategic efforts to strengthen rhino populations across secure habitats.

The operation, coordinated by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) with support from Loisaba Conservancy, Sharjah Safari, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA), took place over ten days.
Although southern white rhinos are not native to Kenya, the country ranks third in Africa in terms of their population, after South Africa and Namibia. Kenya, which hosts a significant population, estimated between 750 and 971 individuals, according to recent wildlife surveys and conservation authorities.
The translocation aims to support Kenya’s National Rhino Conservation and Management Action Plan, which guides the country’s approach to conserving rhinos through population management, habitat security, and science-based interventions.
By relocating southern white rhinos to Loisaba, authorities seek to spread the species across multiple protected areas, reduce the risks posed by disease or poaching, and improve genetic diversity.

“We used immobilization and monitoring protocols to ensure safe transport of the animals,” said Dr. Isaac Lekolool, Head of Veterinary and Capture Services at KWS. “This allows veterinarians to observe vital signs and handle the animals with minimal stress.”
Loisaba Conservancy now becomes one of the few sanctuaries in the country hosting both black and white rhinos.
This move strengthens the country’s network of protected areas, ensuring rhinos are managed across multiple secure landscapes, and reinforces Loisaba’s role in biodiversity conservation and ecotourism.
“This translocation aligns with our vision to safeguard rhino populations across secure and well-managed landscapes,” said Prof. Erustus Kanga, Director General of KWS. “The relocation reflects our continued commitment to conservation.”

Long-term management of the rhinos at Loisaba will be supported by international partners and tourism revenue, which will also contribute to ongoing conservation initiatives.