The Garamba National Park in the North-East of the Democratic Republic of Congo is blessed with a dozen endangered white rhinos from South Africa. A multi-year project that has just taken shape thanks to the efforts of Kibali Gold Mine, a subsidiary of Barrick Gold Corporation, the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), and African Park.
By the end of the second quarter of this year, sixteen first rhinos will be followed by sixty more over the next three years. The objective is to contribute to the survival of the species while enhancing the attractiveness of the park. Around the rhinos, there are also other large mammals such as the elephant, the northern giraffe, the hippopotamus, the buffalo, and the okapi.
Note that Garamba National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the oldest national parks in Africa. However, these rhinos will be closely watched by locals and authorities who hope their presence will attract worldwide attention. Local and central governments must therefore work on the infrastructure to support this initiative and derive dividends from the investment made in the region.
This initiative is also part of a program of protection, promotion of biodiversity, and conservation of wildlife advocated by Barrick Gold Corporation. The company is already funding projects in the region such as fitting GPS collars to elephants and lions, satellite connection, and veterinary care.
Unfortunately, these white rhinos had almost disappeared from Garamba due to war and poaching. It is therefore a real hope for the preservation of this endangered species in the region.