Massive rhino rewilding project on the cards

A conservation non-profit organisation has announced plans to free 2 000 southern white rhinos that are confined at Platinum Rhino, the world’s largest rhino farm in SA. African Parks said it would rewild the animals to safe and well-managed protected areas across Africa. BBC News reports that it has bought the 7 800ha rhino-breeding farm in the North West Province which borders Botswana. The rewilding project, which will run more than 10 years, will be one of the largest rewilding projects ever undertaken in Africa. African Parks secured emergency funding to buy the financially struggling rhino farm after its owner, John Hume, put it up for sale in April. The report notes that he has been hailed as a conservationist, but also faced criticism for advocating for trade in rhino horn, which he said was necessary to shield his rhinos from poaching and raise funds to sustain the farm.

Full BBC News report