White rhinos return to Gonarezhou after nearly a century

Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe’s remote southeastern wilderness, has made history with the reintroduction of white rhinos, marking their first official return in nearly 100 years.

Matthias Mullie/Unsplash

Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe’s remote southeastern wilderness, has made history with the reintroduction of white rhinos, marking their first official return in nearly 100 years, as per Tourism Update reports.

This historic moment comes after a complex translocation effort led by the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust, a partnership between the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Frankfurt Zoological Society. With key support from the Malilangwe Trust, the government of Zimbabwe, and several donor partners, this effort sets the stage for restoring a viable white rhino population to the park.

From extinction to reintroduction

Although sporadic sightings of white rhinos were recorded in Gonarezhou as late as 1992, the last sustainable population likely vanished in the early 20th century. This latest move follows the successful reintroduction of black rhinos to the park in 2021, cementing Gonarezhou’s growing role in rhino conservation.

Planning for the return of the white rhino began in 2023, involving rigorous habitat assessments and logistical preparations. The translocation operation took place over April and May this year, with a phased approach that prioritised animal welfare and ecological suitability.

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How the rewilding was done

The reintroduction involved a tightly coordinated sequence of events:

• Selection of founder animals based on age, sex, and social compatibility
• Professional immobilisation and secure transport
• Temporary acclimatisation in secure holding pens
• Gradual release into the park
• Ongoing post-release monitoring and security protocols

The founding white rhinos were donated by the Malilangwe Trust, which also provided scientific, technical, and logistical support. A team of veterinarians, pilots, and animal handlers worked behind the scenes to ensure a smooth transition.

The bigger conservation picture

The return of white rhinos to Gonarezhou is more than symbolic—it’s the start of a long-term initiative to establish a healthy metapopulation in this rugged landscape. Conservationists are now focused on continuous monitoring, anti-poaching efforts, and ecosystem integration.

With its remote terrain and growing track record in rhino reintroductions, Gonarezhou may soon become one of southern Africa’s key strongholds for the species.