The Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) intends to reinstate black rhinos in Matusadonha National Park beginning in 2025.
In 2019, poachers killed the park's last rhino.
“Matusadonha National Park holds a special place in our hearts as it is preparing to reintroduce black rhinos by next year,” ZimParks director-general Fulton Mangwanya was quoted as saying by New Zimbabwe.com.
“This ambitious project aims to restore the population of these key species which has faced severe threats in recent years. Zimbabwe has a proud track record of wildlife conservation and, indeed, we have received several international accolades to this effect.”
Africa's fourth-largest population of rhinos resides in Zimbabwe.
These include 616 black rhinos and 417 white rhinos residing within the nation.
The horns of black rhinos continue to be in critical peril as a result of the illicit global market's demand, which is primarily concentrated in Asia.
These horns are utilised for traditional medicinal purposes and are progressively regarded as a symbol of affluence and achievement.
Around 11,000 rhinos were poached in Africa between 2008 and 2021.