KWS translocates rhinos from Lewa, Meru parks to Loisaba Conservancy
The rhinos were translocated from Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Meru National Park, two critical strongholds under KWS oversight, during a 10-day operation.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has successfully relocated ten southern white rhinos to Loisaba Conservancy in Laikipia as part of ongoing efforts under the National Rhino Conservation and Management Action Plan.
The rhinos were translocated from Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Meru National Park, two critical strongholds under KWS oversight, during a 10-day operation.
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For this translocation, KWS deployed advanced rhino capture and translocation techniques as part of best practice to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the translocation process.
According to Dr. Isaac Lekolool, Head of Veterinary and Capture Services at KWS, the process involved immobilising the rhinos and guiding them into transport crates while veterinarians monitored vital signs.
He explained that the method allows more careful supervision of the animals’ condition during loading and transit.
"The process entails the use of an immobilisation protocol that facilitates walking the rhino into the transportation crate. This way, the veterinarian gets ample time to monitor the animals' vital parameters during loading of the rhino," said Lekolool.
Although southern white rhinos are not native to Kenya, the country has become home to the third-largest population after South Africa and Namibia. Conservation officials say the animals play an important role in both biodiversity protection and tourism.
KWS Director General Erustus Kanga said the relocation reflects the government’s broader strategy to safeguard species through science-based management and collaboration.
“This translocation aligns with Kenya’s national vision to manage rhino populations across secure, well-protected landscapes,” he said.
"The safe relocation of these animals reflects our shared commitment to conservation and to ensuring that future generations experience the value of Kenya's wildlife."
With the new arrivals, Loisaba Conservancy joins a small number of sanctuaries in Kenya hosting both black and white rhinos.
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