Conservationist group African Parks to free 2,000 rhinos from South Africa farm - BBC News

African Parks plans a decade-long rewilding project to help preserve a near-threatened subspecies.

2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, AFPImage caption, African Parks currently works with 12 governments to run 22 protected wildlife areas across AfricaBy Muthoni MuchiriBBC NewsConservation group African Parks plans to release 2,000 southern white rhinos into the wild after buying the world's largest private captive rhino breeding operation in South Africa.

The giant animals, the second-largest land mammal, are considered to be under extreme pressure due to poaching.

There are thought to be 18,000 southern white rhino left. They are classified as a near-threatened subspecies.

African Parks hopes to "rewild" the animals over the next 10 years.

The group secured emergency funding to buy the financially struggling 7,800-hectare (19,000-acre) rhino farm, known as Platinum Rhino, in South Africa's North West province, after owner John Hume put it up for sale in April.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-66717076?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

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