Black Rhino Relocation Project
Aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals…
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land
In July 2023, 10 black rhinos were successfully dehorned, an exercise that was long overdue and had been delayed due to funding and the Covid-19 era.
The Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve is an Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) and recognized black rhino breeding reserve for the country. The main objective of the reserve is to breed and restock in national or state properties for the continued survival of the species. The reserve uses a photographic model, hence no hunting is done on the reserve.
Three (3) founder animals had initially been introduced to the property in 2006 and have since increased to 15 animals and the reserve only has a carrying capacity of 8 animals in a good season. Inbreeding is a problem currently. Translocation of animals is key in a closed system. Before bringing in a new breeding bull from a viable genetically different population, we need to move 3 sub-adult males and a female to another park to avoid territorial fatalities, a process facilitated through the Zimbabwe National Parks Authority.
American Residents can donate through our fiscal partner Empowers Africa, an approved U.S. public charity, contributions are tax deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Click here to donate via Empowers Africa.