KZN sends 20 black rhinos to Botswana to grow new population

Updated Sept. 11, 2026, 6:12 p.m. | By Lauren Hendricks

Twenty black rhinos have been moved from KwaZulu-Natal to Botswana as part of a major conservation project aimed at establishing a new, genetically diverse population and expanding the species’ range.

KZN Ezemevelo Wildlife's Ayanda Dube said the initiative was crucial for the survival of the species.

”The 20 animals were captured about eight weeks ago across seven game reserves. Some of these reserves are managed directly by Ezemvelo, while others are existing prep sites.

“Ezemvelo then combines this progeny with additional animals from its own reserves to assemble a new genetically diverse founder population.”