A rhino is darted with by one of the experienced veterinarians onboard a Kenya Wildlife helicopter. After being poached to extinction for half a century, 21 eastern black rhinos were translocated to Loisaba. The expansion of their habitat for the growing population is a testament to Kenya’s remarkable conservation efforts.

Four decades ago, black rhinos were on the brink of extinction in Kenya, with numbers down from around 20,000 in the 1970s to fewer than 300 in the mid-1980s. According to the last count, in December 2023, there are now an estimated 1,000 black rhinos, with the government aiming to have 2,000 by 2037. This shows the need for additional roaming space, leading them back to sanctuaries where they haven’t roamed for decades.

During the operation, upon being darted, one of the rhinos exhibited a determined path toward the river, prompting the capture team to respond quickly. The KWS team sprang into action and ensured the rhino’s head remained above water until the revival shot could be administered

These are men and women moving creatures that weigh, on average, one ton. We imagine when tranquilized that we have dominion over them; we do not. They slip back into consciousness at a frightening speed.

A specialized scientist is essential in the translocation of the rhinos. Once the rhino is tranquilized, Grant, the scientist, inputs a transmitter onto its horn before transport. This will allow the teams to keep track of their location, movement patterns, and safety in their new landscapes.

The cohesion of the team every morning before the translocation kicked off was an essential part of the success of this exercise. The resurgence of Kenya’s black rhinos means the country now has the third-biggest black rhino population in the world, behind South Africa and Namibia.

The rhinos arrive at their new home at Loisaba Conservancy. Space for Giants is proud to support this globally significant translocation that was managed by KWS and supported by Space for Giants, the Nature Conservancy, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Elewana Collection, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lewa Conservancy, and local

Max Graham, the CEO and founder of Space for Giants, says: ‘Black rhinos were once common on Loisaba. The last known individual here was killed by poachers in the 1960s, a pattern experienced across Kenya and, indeed, Africa as a consequence of the devastating and illegal trade in their horns. The return of black rhinos here gives us hope, one of the most precious commodities.

To ensure the long-term survival of black rhinos in Kenya, we need a metapopulation of at least 2,000 individuals. If we can reach this goal sooner, it will help preserve more genetic diversity. By maintaining a growth rate of 5% per year, Kenya could achieve this target within 20 years.

A Kenya Wildlife Service ranger, ready to protect and safeguard the magnificent species in their new home.