Kenya’s bid to save endangered black rhinos backfires after eight die in a new location

The Kenyan government is dealing with the devastating news that eight black rhinos died after they were moved to a new habitat in a bid to save the endangered species.

According to Capital Fm, the animals died under unclear circumstances and an investigation into the issue has been launched.

The minister for tourism, Najib Balala, announced that experts will be brought in to investigate the matter.

An initial investigation by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) indicated the eight rhinos died of salt poisoning after drinking water at the new habitat. The translocation of the rhinos has since been stopped.

Fourteen black rhinos, eight from Nairobi National Park and six from Lake Nakuru National Park, were relocated to the Tsavo East National Park. The move was one of the ways to ensure that the endangered species was safe and their habitat was secure.

Although the number of the rhinos had increased in the past two years because of the concerted effort between the government and conservation partners including communities and private landowners.

Kenyans are now taking the government to task over the mishap. Kenyan conservationist Paula Kahumbu called out the government to explain what happened to the public.

“Rhinos have died, we have to say it openly when it happens, not a week later or a month later. Something must have gone wrong, and we want to know what it is,” she said.

Other Kenyans have expressed their sadness, anger and disappointment at how the issue was handled.