While a lot of the news about rhinos in Africa can seem pretty bleak, there are often some hopeful stories about the majestic animals, too.
The Kenya Wildlife Service has relocated 14 black rhinos from two different national parks to boost population of the species and protect them from poaching.
The rhinos were translocated to the community owned and operated Sera Community Conservancy located in Isiolo for their protection.
Four of the rhinos were translocated from Nakuru, while the other 10 came from Lewa National Park.
Six more rhinos are planned to be moved this week from Nairobi National Park as well.
This will be the first time that a local community in East Africa will be responsible for the protection and management of black rhinos.
All of the rhinos were dehorned and microchipped to make it easier to monitor them and to curb poaching.
Conservationists hope the presence of black rhinos in the area will be a boost to tourism and provide new job opportunities for local communities.
According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the population of Eastern black rhino dropped 98% between 1960 and 1995, mostly due to poaching and game hunting.
However, Kenya’s rhino population has increased from 381 in 1987 to a current estimate of 640.
And that number is projected to rise, particularly because of growing partnerships between the Kenyan government and groups like the Sera Community Conservancy.
Read more: IANS
