Singita is the Shangaan word for ‘Place of Miracles’ and this luxury conservation brand is 100% living up to its name after the groundbreaking relocation of nine critically endangered Black Rhino.
The Rhino were relocated from South Africa to Singita Grumeti, thanks to the wonderful team at the non-profit Grumeti Fund, in partnership with the Tanzanian Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA).
This is the largest movement of rhino into Tanzania, increasing the national population by almost 10%. The nine rhinos join two eastern black rhinos previously relocated to Singita Grumeti in an ambitious effort to save the species from extinction.
What is happening to the Black Rhino?
Fuelled by a lucrative illegal trade in wildlife products, East Africa experienced a poaching crisis over forty years ago, decimating rhino numbers by 99%.
From approximately 10,000 animals in 1970, it is estimated that only 100 eastern black rhino roam Tanzania today.
The relocation and protection of this population is therefore critical to the future survival of the species.
*Sobs into tissues at desk*
However, do not fret… there are a number of incredible people and organisations who are dedicating their lives to saving these beautiful animals.
What is Singita and how did they move the Rhinos?
Singita is a conservation brand that has been preserving African wilderness for the past 26 years, offering guests an exceptional safari experience with 15 luxury, award-winning lodges and camps across six regions in four countries.
Attracting like-minded guests and donors who believe in Singita’s long-term conservation vision, along with sustainable ecotourism, is critical to protecting Africa’s most vulnerable species and landscapes.
Singita’s 100-year purpose is to protect and preserve large areas of African wilderness for future generations.
The nine animals, who were carefully selected by age and genetic composition, will be of extreme value to the gene pool of the existing Serengeti rhino population.
Accompanied by four wildlife veterinarians and a rhino behaviour specialist, the rhino were transported from South Africa to Kilimanjaro Airport on a chartered 747 cargo plane, followed by a light aircraft flight to the Grumeti concession, and are safely housed in a secure location.
Once acclimatised to their new surroundings, all the rhinos are expected to be released into the greater Serengeti ecosystem.
What is the Grumeti Fund?
The Grumeti Fund’s mission is to contribute to the conservation of the Serengeti ecosystem, its natural landscape, and its wildlife.
They partner with local communities and other stakeholders to build capacity and thereby assist them to realise their development aspirations.
By doing this, they help to create a world in which people and wildlife live together, sustainably, forever.
“We strongly believe that you can’t put a price on the survival of a species, so the Grumeti Fund will continue to fundraise, invest and work tirelessly with our partners to see black rhino thriving safely in the Serengeti ecosystem.”
Stephen Cunliffe, Executive Director of the Grumeti Fund
How can we help?
You can support the future success of these critically endangered black rhino at Singita Grumeti via Empowers Africa or book your clients to stay at one of the beautiful Singita Eco-lodges through your preferred Africa wholesaler.
