By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Loisaba Conservancy have announced the arrival of a very special new resident at Loisaba, Kibou, after an eight-year-old black rhino originally from Ol Pejeta Conservancy gave birth to her first calf.
The historic moment marks the first black rhino birth since the translocation earlier this year, bringing our population to 22 black rhinos in Kenya.
This translocation marks a significant milestone in the recovery of Kenya’s black rhino population, which has grown from 400 individuals in 1989, when the Kenya Wildlife Servicewasestablished, to over 1,000 today.
Kenya now hosts the third-largest rhino population in Africa, following South Africa and Namibia.
Kibou’s calf, affectionately named Valentine in honour of Loisaba’s “Welcome Home Rhinos” event held on February 14.
This birth not only symbolises hope for black rhinos in Kenya but also reinforces the importance of connected, protected habitats that support sustainable rhino populations.
KWS and Loisaba reaffirmed their committed to ensuring that black rhinos like Valentine have safe spaces to thrive, now and in the future.
Kibou’s journey to motherhood is a testament to the power of collaboration in conservationa nd we’re excited to continue this journey withour partners and community, said a statement from KWS.
“Kenya’s renewed efforts in creating wildlife corridors and conservancies reflect a shift toward more inclusive conservation, ensuring that local communities who coexist with wildlife are integral to the process,” said KWS Director General Erastus Kanga.
Kanga added: “This first rhino birth at Loisaba since the translocation earlier this year reaffirms the importance of expanding and connecting protected habitats. By prioritizing wildlife recovery and habitat restoration, KWS aims to establish thriving wildlife populations, particularly for endangered species, so they may endure for future generations.”
