SA Black Rhinos Make Move to Malawi

With the assistance of British troops, critically endangered black rhinos have found a new home in Malawi after they were relocated from South Africa.

According to reports, 17 black rhinos were recently transported “via air and road” from South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province to Liwonde National Park in Malawi, where they were released.

The relocation was carried out by soldiers from Britain’s 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifle, who worked alongside with the non-governmental organisation, African Parks.

The troops then spent three months training rangers to keep the rhinos safe from poachers.

Major Jez England, the officer commanding the British Army counter-poaching team in Liwonde, commented: “Not only do we share skills with the rangers, improving their efficiency and ability to patrol larger areas, but it also provides a unique opportunity for our soldiers to train in a challenging environment.”

He added: “Getting up close to the animals we are here to help protect was an experience the soldiers won’t forget.”

Approximately 5 000 black rhinos are left in the wild.