We did it!

Five endangered Eastern Black Rhinoceroses born and bred in Europe were successfully translocated from Safari Park Dvůr Králové in the Czech Republic to the Akagera National Park in Rwanda, expanding the genetic diversity of a founder population introduced in 2017. So far this was the largest ever translocation of rhinos from Europe to Africa. Their historic journey long 6,000 km began at Safari Park Dvůr Králové (Czech Republic), where all five animals had been gathered, on Sunday, June 23, 2019.

It was for the first time in 2017 when 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 rhinos into Africa. 

“We have been preparing for this moment for years and are excited to build on our efforts to revitalize the Park with the RDB and the successful introduction of the first round of rhinos in 2017,“ said Jes Gruner, Park Manager of Akagera National Park. “This transport of five  rhinos from Europe is historic and symbolic, and shows what is possible when dedicated partners collaborate to help protect and restore a truly endangered species.”

Three female and two male black rhinos, ranging between two to nine years old, were chosen from the EAZA EEP. Jasiri, Jasmina and Manny were born in Safari Park Dvůr Králové (Czech Republic); Olmoti comes from Flamingo Land (United Kingdom) and Mandela is from Ree Park Safari (Denmark).

Watch news from Rwanda on: https://safaripark.cz/en/conservation/rhinos-to-rwanda/news-from-rwanda