17/03/2026
Rhinos photographed at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on 16 March 2026 highlight one of Uganda’s greatest conservation successes. After rhinos were wiped out in Uganda by 1982 due to poaching, conflict, and weak wildlife protection, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established in 2005 through a partnership between the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Rhino Fund Uganda, and the Roy family.
With rhinos sourced from the United States and Kenya, the sanctuary began rebuilding Uganda’s rhino population. Thanks to nearly two decades of conservation work, the population has grown to 54 rhinos.
In 2026, rhinos have started returning to the wild: four were moved to Ajai Wildlife Reserve, and eight are now being relocated to Kidepo Valley National Park—marking the first rhinos there in over 43 years.
