There are moments in conservation that feel truly historic and the return of black rhino to Matusadona National Park is undoubtedly one of them. Just last week, a group of critically endangered black rhino was reintroduced to Matusadona, marking the return of a species that once defined this landscape.
More than 20 years ago, rampant poaching led to the disappearance of rhino from the park, with the last remaining animals removed to safer locations in a desperate effort to protect them. Today, thanks to decades of dedicated conservation work, their descendants have ‘come home’.
‘Words cannot describe the feeling of watching these rhino touch ground once again in Matusadona. It is a moment filled with pride, hope, and belief in the power of long-term partnership and shared vision. Today is not only about the rhino themselves, but about the extraordinary dedication shown over the past 25 years by rangers, conservationists, partners and local communities who helped safeguard these animals for their eventual return to their rightful home range.’ – Reilly Travers, Conservancy Manager of Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservancy
The reintroduction is a powerful symbol of Matusadona’s remarkable recovery. Since African Parks and ZimParks entered into a long-term co-management agreement in 2019, the park has undergone an extraordinary transformation. Wildlife populations are rebounding, protection and law enforcement have been strengthened and species such as wild dog, sable and now black rhino are once again part of the ecological diversity for which Matusadona was once renowned.
For your clients staying with us at Changa, this is an exciting reminder that they are witnessing a conservation success story in real time. While rhino sightings are not yet part of the safari experience, their return represents something even more significant: a future in which Matusadona once again thrives as one of Africa’s great wilderness areas.
Every game drive, boat excursion and guided walk takes place within a landscape that is being carefully restored, protected and re-wilded… for years to come.
Article compliments of The Hide & Changa Safari Camps
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