Rhino Sanctuary

More Information Go to the Mkomazi Web Site Introduction History Rhino Sanctuary African Wild Dog Breeding Program Protection from Poachers and Livestock Encroachment Mkomazi Outreach Programme USA TODAY Articles, March 1999 1999 Newsletter

During a systematic aerial census in July 1968, it was estimated there were 150-250 black rhinos in Mkomazi Game Reserve and the population was growing faster than in any other area in the entire Mkomazi Game Reserve-Tsavo National Park ecosystem. The increase in the Mkomazi rhino population, from July 1967 to July 1968, exceeded all other grown rates of black rhino recorded before or since. By 1988, there were no rhinos left in Mkomazi.

Tony Fitzjohn, Field Director with Laura Utley, Chairman and Founder of GCC and President of the U.S. Trust, who visited the Mkomazi Reserve in May 1998, and two members of anti-poaching patrol standing at the gates of the Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary. The gates were donated by GCC.

The Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary is an enclosed, heavily guarded area of approximately 45 square kilometers, and could ultimately hold up to 20 rhinos. It parallels the sanctuary at Tsavo National Park, with solar-powered electrical fences and its own well equipped force. There is plenty of vegetation, and if the population increases, there is room for expansion.

The physical construction of the Rhino Sanctuary is complete and is now occupied by 4 Black Rhinos of the East African sub-species from Addo National Park in South Africa. Six more rhinos are still in Addo National Park waiting to be transferred. Currently, the Tony Fitzjohn/George Adamson African Wildlife Preservation Trust is working to raise the $600,000 needed to purchase and transport the remaining rhinos to the sanctuary.

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