Just over two years ago, Jan Stejskal of Safari Park Dvůr Králové, Czech Republic, and Veronica Varekova, an avid advocate of wildlife conservation, first discussed the possibility of a large-scale reintroduction of Black rhino into Africa. “I have witnessed increasing pressure put on the rhino population in Africa over the past 8 years, due to poaching and habitat loss, so when I was presented with the idea of European zoos donating Black rhinos to Akagera National Park, I was thrilled. In my view The Republic of Rwanda is one of the safest countries on the continent today, a country I have visited often in the last 10 years. I knew right away I would be dedicated to this project from the beginning to the end,” says Varekova.

Stejskal and Varekova needed to get the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to agree to support this monumental project for it to become practical. This would never have been possible without the leadership and efforts of Mark Pilgrim, CEO of Chester Zoo in the UK and Coordinator of the EAZA Ex-situ Programme (EEP) for Black rhino. “Large scale cooperation between EAZA zoos has meant a healthy, sustainable population of Eastern black rhino, which means we can now take this major step towards protecting the future of the species in the wild.”

The primary threat against the rhinoceros is poaching by criminal syndicates to supply the traditional Asian medicine market. The reintroduction therefore represents a strong response from all involved institutions to the devastation being inflicted on rhino populations across Africa.  EAZA Chair Thomas Kauffels of Opel-Zoo in Germany explains: “There could be no better demonstration of the commitment of conservationists across two continents to the survival of rhinos than an action like this.  We cannot stand idly by and allow this magnificent creature to be wiped off the face of the earth, especially as the reason for the threat is so pointless.  EAZA and its Members are grateful for the opportunity to work with RDB and Akagera Management Company to place these animals in a secure environment where they will help found a strong and vigorous population that will long outlast our society’s shortsightedness.”

 A Memorandum of Understanding between EAZA and RDB is due to be signed shortly, assuring the success of this project. High levels of security provided by the park authorities and the Rwandan government make Akagera National Park an excellent location for the reintroduction of these endangered animals. RDB’s Head of Conservation, Eugene Mutangana, said: “We are confident that the new animals from the EAZA Zoos will make a strong contribution to the overall sustainability of the existing rhino population at Akagera NP – and we will defend that population for future generations come what may.”

The EEP selected three female and two male rhino to help contribute to the diversity of the National Park population’s genes and demography. “The animals have been donated to the Republic of Rwanda by three European Zoos:  Ree Park Safari (Denmark), Flamingo Land (United Kingdom) and Safari Park Dvůr Králové (Czech Republic), where they will remain for several months to undergo an intensive period of training in preparation for the journey by plane to Kigali, Rwanda and onward to the Akagera National Park. The transport is tentatively planned for late May or early June next year,” says Jan Stejskal, responsible for coordinating the transport to Rwanda.  The reintroduction will follow IUCN Guidelines for Reintroductions and Other Conservation Translocations.
 

Eastern Black Rhinoceros

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39320/10198874

EAZA

The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria is the Membership organisation of the most progressive zoos and aquariums in Europe and the Middle East. Uniting over 400 member organizations in 47 countries in cooperative work on conservation, research, education and animal welfare, EAZA is responsible for the EEP population management programmes. 
https://www.eaza.net

Safari Park Dvůr Králové

One of the best rhino breeders outside of Africa. So far, 45 black rhinos have been born there and the park coordinates efforts to save the northern white rhino.
https://safaripark.cz/en/

Ree Park Safari

Heavily involved and dedicated to conservation work in Africa and the only institution working with Black Rhinos in Scandinavia.
https://reepark.dk/

Flamingo Land

Dedicated to conservation and breeding of threatened species. Our inspiration has always been to return animals bred here back to the wild to support global populations.
http://www.flamingoland.co.uk/

The Rwanda Development Board

is a government department established in 2009 to coordinate, spur and promote national economic development.
http://rdb.rw/

Akagera National Park

is located in the north east of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. Founded in 1934, the park encompasses 1,122 sq kilometres of savannah, bush and lake habitats.
www.africanparks.org/the-parks/akagera?gclid=CjwKCAiAuMTfBRAcEiwAV4SDkXwps2fFKUt66UyaNUmwJU_wlLFOIfW6u8FY8nlXYWAgzEnw68x7HRoC2fcQAvD_BwE

Veronica Varekova

Miss Varekova is a globally recognized supermodel, Ambassador and Board Member to The African Wildlife Foundation. Born in the Czech Republic, Miss Varekova traveled to New York aged 19 to study at the Parsons School of Design, and signed with Next Models. It was during a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro in 2008 that Miss Varekova first met with The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) in Tanzania, and really uncovered her passion for wildlife. As the leading international conservation organization focused solely on Africa, Miss Varekova has been a member of AWF's Board since 2009 and works closely to raise awareness and funds to support initiatives focused on conserving large landscapes, protecting endangered species, and empowering local communities. She has been participant of the Clinton Global Initiatives and the World Economic Forum since 2009. Miss Varekova is also focused on sustainable development in Africa, specifically; infrastructure, renewable energy and tourism. Veronica works closely with the United Nations, World Bank, USAid and other world leading institutions. She travels to various African countries multiple times per year, and works closely with governments.
Contact: LeighC@nextmodels.com