2,000 white rhinos bred in captivity in South Africa will be gradually released into the wild. This was stated by conservation NGO African Parks, which currently owns the animals.
The rhinoceroses belonged to a private breeder. They could increase the world’s wild southern white rhino population by nearly 15%.
The animals will be released not only in South Africa, but also in other protected areas across the continent.
The current owner of the rhinos, John Hume, sold the animals and the farm where he bred them because it was too expensive to protect them from poachers.
Poaching remains a serious threat in South Africa. About 500 rhinos were killed by poachers in 2023, according to government data. This is more than in the previous year.
Rhinos are hunted for their horns, which are sought after in East Asia. They are used to make traditional medicines as well as jewelry.
Judging by the rock paintings, the white rhinoceros in ancient times was distributed throughout the African continent. However, Europeans encountered it only in South Africa. Back in 1892 it was considered extinct. However, it is premature.
Today the population is more than 20 thousand.
