Five endangered black rhinos returned to their home in the
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania as part of an agreement between the South
African and Tanzanian governments to reintroduce the species into their native
environment.
Over 20 years ago eight black rhino of a species which is not indigenous in
South Africa were imported to Addo Elephant National Park in the Easter Cape to
add to the dwindling genetic pool amongst local species of rhino. The rhino were
later moved to the private game reserve Thaba Tholo in Limpopo where they
successfully breed to a group of 61. Chief Executive of SANParks, David Mabunda
reported that in 2009 the Tanzanian Wildlife Authorities approached SANParks to
request the return of the Michaeli rhinos to Tanzania as the species were now
extinct in its original habitat. Last week South African Environmental Affairs
Minister, Buyelwa Sonjica handed over five black rhinos to the Tanzanian
government with plans to send another 27 animals back to Tanzania.
The environmental cooperation highlights the strong historical relationship
between the two countries and the exchange will contribute positively to
Tanzania’s economic development through tourism. The Serengeti National Park is
extremely popular with tourists on Tanzania holidays who will now be able to see
the black rhino in their natural habitat.
2 by 2 Holidays are specialists in
Kenya and Tanzania holidays
in East Africa.
