Mozambique welcomes white rhinos from South Africa
· The South African
The rhino population of a national park in Mozambique has received a boost following the arrival of several white rhinos from South Africa.
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Earlier this month, nine female white rhinos were translocated to Zinave National Park in Mabote District, Inhambane Province, as part of a wildlife restoration programme for the park.
This programme is overseen by Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) in collaboration with South Africa’s Exxaro Resources and Peace Parks Foundation. Additionally, it is supported by Mzansi’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
RHINOS MAKE THEIR WAY TO MOZAMBIQUE
Loaded into crates designed for safe transporting, the nine rhinos made the two-day journey from Manketti Game Reserve near Lephalale, Limpopo, to Zinave. They arrived at the park on 6 June 2026.
With these newest additions, Zinave’s total white rhino population has now reached 39. There are also 22 endangered black rhinos at the park.
Pejul Calenga, Director-General of ANAC, lauded the success of the translocation. He also expounded on the benefits to be reaped from it.
“This translocation marks a chapter of pride and hope in Mozambique’s conservation journey,” remarked Calenga, per Tourism Update.
“By returning white rhinos to Zinave, we are not only securing the future of a keystone species but also restoring ecosystem balance, creating investment opportunities in the wildlife economy, supporting local community development and demonstrating what is possible when partners work together for nature.”
RESTORING ECOSYSTEM
Due to the 1977-1992 Mozambican Civil War, many animal species inhabiting Zinave were wiped out.
Consequently, significant efforts have been made to reintroduce several of these species – including the Big Five – back into the park.
As mentioned by Calenga, successfully rewilding areas such as Zinave can help restore vital ecosystems. What’s more, it will help allay the effects of climate change and provide local communities with a socio-economic boost.
Regarding rhinos, they graze on high volumes of grass, which – when in an overgrown state – is an extreme fire risk. And, as the grass levels decrease, the environment becomes more accommodating for species such as impala and wildebeest.
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