History

Both the Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) and the Northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni), are indigenous to Uganda. However, due to a number of factors, including prolonged armed human conflict, poaching and the mismanagement of their natural habitat, by 1982, both species had been wiped out in the country. Ziwa Rhino sanctuary was established in 2005 to reintroduce the southern white rhinoceros to Uganda. The long-term goal of the sanctuary is to “build a sustainable rhinoceros population and relocate rhinos back to their original habitat in Uganda’s protected areas”. As of January 2010, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was the only location in Uganda, where rhinos can be observed in their natural habitat.

Uganda has no more wild rhinos in their parks. The rhinos were killed off in the 1970s/80s. There is a small non-profit group that is trying to change this. About 3 hours northwest of Kampala on the road to Murchison Falls National Park is a rhino sanctuary. The closest village is called Nakitoma. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has been around for about 10 years and started with six white rhinos imported from Kenya and the USA. They now have 15. The rhinos live in a large park with many acres of land and are essentially wild. The rhinos are accustomed to humans being near them as each rhino has armed guards near it 24 hours a day due to poaching.