KWS begins historic introduction of white rhinos to Loisaba Conservancy
The Kenya Wildlife Service has relocated four rhinos from the Meru National Park to the Loisaba Conservancy, marking the beginning of a historic initiative to introduce white rhinos into the conservancy.
In a statement on August 21, 2025, KWS stated that the four, comprising two males and two females, are the first phase of a larger plan that will see a total of 10 rhinos moved, with the remaining group set to be sourced from Lewa Conservancy.
You might also like
“As part of implementing the KWS Strategic Plan (2024–2028), whose vision is to ensure thriving wildlife for all, and the White Rhino Conservation and Management Action Plan in Kenya, the Kenya Wildlife Service has begun a historic introduction of white rhinos to Loisaba Conservancy, making it the 12th sanctuary in the country to host them,” read the statement in part.
The Loisaba introduction makes it the 12th rhino sanctuary in the country, cementing Kenya’s leadership in rhino conservation.
“This bold initiative, led by the KWS team under the stewardship of Dr Lekolool, together with Loisaba Conservancy. This delicate but significant process underscores KWS’s mission to safeguard Kenya’s wildlife heritage and its habitat for the well-being of nature and people.”
Further, KWS revealed that by creating more space and diversifying their range, the relocation is expected to foster healthier breeding conditions and reduce risks associated with confined populations.
Eastern black rhinos
This comes a few months after the government translocated 21 eastern black rhinos to Segera Rhino Sanctuary from Ol-Pajeta Conservancy in Laikipia County to promote conservation, decongest and protect the critically endangered species.
Speaking when she presided over the translocation in May 2025, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said that moving the rhinos in the expansive Segera Conservancy, which covers approximately 50,000 acres of land, would provide a secure and ecological habitat for their breeding.
“The translocation of 21 black rhinos to Segera Conservancy is way beyond a conservation milestone. It’s a bold affirmation of Kenya’s enduring commitment to securing a future for one of the world’s most iconic yet critically endangered species,” said the CS.
Miano highlighted that the exercise was a milestone towards achieving an annual population growth of the rhinos of 5 per cent annually.
