Following on from the translocation of 21 rhinos to Loisaba conservancy in February this year, Tom updates us on how the new residents are settling in.

How have the rhinos taken to their new home in Loisaba

They absolutely love it, they took about 3 months to settle down, but everyone is now established in their territories. One rhino - Diamiza - broke out of the initial fence line and settled in the west of the conservancy. This meant phase II was expedited, and an additional 20,000 acres of land were secured as rhino habitat.

How has the other wildlife in the area adapted to the new residents

Following the initial shock attack on Ushindi and Donald by three male lions who had never seen rhinos before - and thought it was a special on the menu - things have now settled down well with no further incidents, and rhino monitors have reported rhinos settling down amongst other wildlife, and Loisaba livestock.

How are guests responding to access to the Big 5 in Loisaba

They are extremely excited, and can’t wait to get out on a game drive.

Has anything changed with the game viewing experience

Guest wildlife viewing at Loisaba continues to be 5 star - guests now have the opportunity to see the “big five” in one afternoon.

Have you noticed any pairings up and do we expect some rhino calves in the future

Yes - we have seen several couplings, including between those from different source sanctuaries, as far apart as Nairobi and Lewa (Muturi and Margaret) - which is great for genetic diversity. We are hopeful to see calves in 2025.

How do you see the future for rhino conservation

The successful Loisaba rhino translocation was a huge positive for the continued good work around black rhino conservation in Kenya following a number of successful years leading to an overcrowding of existing sanctuaries and hence the translocation. There is exciting work being done around the Kenya Rhino Range Expansion - with the potential for an excess of 700,000 acres being dedicated to rhino conservation in Laikipia County alone