Kenya Wildlife Service begins relocating black rhinos to depopulate park

By MERCY KAHENDA

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has begun the relocation of 10 black rhinos from Lake Nakuru National Park to Borana Ranch in Eastern region.

The KWS Assistant Director of the Central Rift Conservation area Jonathan Kirui said the rhinos would be relocated to reduce the rate of breeding at the park.

The exercise of identifying and transporting the rhinos commenced yesterday and will be conducted for three days.

Kirui said the number of rhinos breeding at the park had increased enormously and that may lead to a food crisis for other wildlife at the park.

“The main reason for moving the rhinos is to reduce the number of rhino breeding and to restock Borana Ranch,” said Kirui.

“The space at the park is minimal when compared to rate of breeding of rhinos among other wildlife,” said Kirui. Lake Nakuru National Park also has white rhinos in addition to more than 5,000 grazers that include zebras, gazelles, hippopotamus, giraffes, warthogs and baboons.

Birds habitat

According to Kirui, the park was mainly established as a habitat for birds, including flamingos that attract tourists to the region. He commended locals for helping to maintain the park and reporting cases of poaching.

Borana Ranch will receive an additional 11 rhinos from Lewa Conservancy this week.