One of the most ambitious rhino conservation efforts on the African Confinement, The Wilderness Botswana Rhino Project has had one of the best track records in the reintroduction of white rhino from southern Botswana into protected areas within the northern regions of the country. A partnership between Wilderness Safaris and the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks, the program was launched in 2000 and has since substantially increased the population rhino through live births of calves that has dramatically improved the breeding potential of these incredible animals. In 2003, the program introduced a small number of south-central black rhino with equal success. Now, this program expands with a limited transfer of a small group of Critically Endangered black rhino from South Africa to northern Botswana. The transfer marks the first of its kind agreement with North West Parks and SANParks (South African National Parks) that each donated a number of black rhino to project. Given the explosion of rhino poaching in recent years, especially within South Africa, the relocation program offers a double-sided approach to the sustainability of the critically endangered black rhino. For anyone that’s ever experienced a Wilderness Safari destination including Mombo, Little Kulala, Segera Retreat or North Island; a portion of each visit funds its Wilderness Safaris Wildlife Trust that supports a wide variety of approximately 30 conservation projects annually in southern Africa.
