Further Information
Rhino conservation project in Uganda

In January 2002, an IUCN-sponsored feasibility study was conducted by Dr. Rob Brett - Rhino Program Coordinator with the SADC Regional Program for Rhino Conservation. The main goal of the study was to determine the maximum carrying capacity (maxCC) for White and Eastern Black rhinos, based on the vegetation available on the land. MaxCC of white rhinos is 38 animals, and maxCC of Black Rhinos is estimated to be 9.

The sanctuary is located 170 kms Northwest of Kampala, along the tarmac road to Gulu and Murchison Falls, one of the main tourist destinations of Uganda. An electric fence surrounds the boundary, 2 metres high with 14 strands of wire and fed by solar panels. Another important aspect of our security system is the presence of 23 rangers & askaris that are trained in anti-poaching techniques.

The first four White rhinos were successfully translocated from Kenya in July 2005, two more white rhinos arrived in September 2006 from Disney Animal Kingdom in Florida, US, and we are currently waiting for news on acquiring two Black rhinos from Kruger National Park, South Africa. In the short term, the plan for the Sanctuary is to translocate between 10 and 15 rhinos, with the long-term aim to develop the Sanctuary as a safe and secure location for breeding White and Black rhinos as an interim step towards reintroduction of the rhinoceros into Uganda's National Parks. All rhinos will be continuously monitored with a minimum of 80% of the rhino population identified by means of ear notches and implanting VHF transmitters in the rhinos’ horn.

The Sanctuary itself is hoped to be developed into a Game Reserve in which, apart from rhinos, other species of wildlife can be encountered, highlighting Uganda’s unique biodiversity and emphasizing the importance of conserving it. Approx. 20 mammal species already occur in the sanctuary, with numbers increasing due to the boundary fencing which keeps local poachers out. Sensitizing local communities on bush meat and illegal poaching is ongoing.

The sanctuary boasts an Education Centre where school groups visit and are taught about the plight of the rhino and conservation in general. The education team is carrying out Conservation Education to sensitize the young generation in schools as well as local communities about the need to conserve the Rhinos and Uganda's biodiversity. There is a Craft Shop at the sanctuary’s entrance, stocked with crafts from local communities.