Rhinos relocated from Oserengoni for fear of poachers

A private sanctuary in Naivasha has relocated its entire herd of rhinos as it seeks funding to modernise security facilities to keep away poachers.

Oserian Wildlife sanctuary which has changed its name to Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary said the decision will also allow breeding of the rhinos.

Six rhinos were killed by poachers in 2013 raising fear over safety of the endangered species at the 18,000 acre sanctuary that also boasts of a 3,000 acre wildlife corridor linking it to the Hells’ Gate National Park.

The sanctuary runs Grevy’s zebra and Beisa Oryx breeding programmes and is also home to over 40 different mammal species.

There are also 320 bird varieties including the endangered grey crested helmet shrike, African Fish Eagle and Augur Buzzard.

Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary lies on the shores of salty Lake Oloidien and hosts two lodges, Chui Lodge and Kiangazi House, whose high-end guests enjoy exclusive game drives.

In a statement, the sanctuary stated: “Sadly, until that structure is in place and more funds for security in the sanctuary are available, a decision was made in the best interest of the rhinos to relocate them to a safer location on a custodial arrangement until such a time when it will be in a position to host a viable rhino population back to its borders.”

Meanwhile, Nakuru County Security team has raised a red flag over increased poaching activities at Lake Nakuru National park where a seventh rhino was reportedly killed last Tuesday.

County Commissioner Mohamed Birik said all security agencies had been activated to help Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) protect the park from poachers who have been blamed for seven deaths reported since the beginning of the year.