Our Rhino History

Following the local extinction of both species due to poaching in the late 20th century, Malilangwe successfully reintroduced black and white rhino to the reserve in the late 1990s. In 1997 and 1998, conservation teams translocated 12 white rhinos and 28 black rhinos from South Africa to Malilangwe. After spending time settling in the bomas the rhinos were released, and by the end of 1998, Malilangwe welcomed its first black rhino calf. Since then, countless calves of both species have been born, and thanks to intensive protection of these calves by our Scouts, Malilangwe’s nutrient-rich soils, and close collaboration between our research and wildlife management teams, our rhino population has grown roughly tenfold.

Today, Malilangwe supports one of the highest densities of rhino in southern Africa, providing us with a unique opportunity to contribute to rhino conservation beyond our borders through carefully managed translocations to suitable ecosystems. To date, we’ve translocated 71 white rhinos and 18 black rhinos from Malilangwe to other protected areas to help reestablish rhino populations across Zimbabwe and Botswana.

Rhino Research

Our commitment to rhino conservation extends far beyond safeguarding the individuals that call Malilangwe home. Through pioneering research, we are helping build a deeper understanding of both black and white rhinos, generating knowledge that supports the long-term survival of the species across Africa. The more we learn about rhinos, the better equipped we are to protect them, translocate them, and ultimately help establish thriving populations in suitable habitats throughout southern Africa.

A powerful example of this work is the research being conducted by Sarah Clegg, an ecologist with nearly three decades of experience monitoring and managing Malilangwe’s rhino populations. As part of her PhD studies in black rhino social biology, Sarah has made important discoveries about the influence of individual relationships on behaviour, ecology, and population resilience in both black and white rhinos.

Her most recent findings challenge long-held assumptions about rhino social dynamics, revealing that social connections play a far greater role in their lives than previously understood. This research is already helping to refine Malilangwe’s rhino translocation strategies, enabling more informed decisions that improve animal welfare and increase the likelihood of successful population establishment.

Once published, we hope Sarah’s work will help improve rhino translocation practices across Africa, contributing to more successful conservation outcomes and healthier, more resilient rhino populations for generations to come.