News

Two black rhinos bred in Kent animal parks travelled to Africa yesterday (10 June) to be released into the wild.

Female Laikipia, four, and six-year-old male Limpopo were born and raised at Howletts and Port Lympne wild animal parks in the South East of the county.

Keeper Adrian Harland said: "Black rhinos are on the brink of extinction. It's wonderful for us to be able to send Laikipia and Limpopo home.

"They will be the only rhinos in the beautiful Grumeti nature reserve in Sasakwa. They're going to love their new home. They get on well. Limpopo, is laid back, whereas Laikipia is smart and quick-witted. Hopefully they will mate."

Chairman of the John Aspinall Foundation which runs the animal parks, James Osborne said: "We are proud to be returning Laikipia and Limpopo back to their natural home.

"They are both ready to go and we will be ensuring their safety and well-being every step of the way."

It is the first time captive-born members of the endangered species will be re-introduced into their native habitat in Tanzania.

Black rhinos have been hunted close to extinction with only 3,000 animals remaining.