Kibali Gold Mine Facilitates Return of 16 White Rhinos to Garamba Sanctuary
The Garamba Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Haut-Uélé province, recently welcomed 16 white rhinoceroses from South Africa. This reintroduction initiative aims to protect the habitats of various animals, including elephants, giraffes, and okapis.
The successful reintroduction of these endangered species was executed by animal experts and marks the beginning of a larger effort, with more rhinos expected to arrive over the next three years.
This significant operation was facilitated by Kibali Gold Mine, a subsidiary of Barrick Gold, a Canadian mining company active in the Watsa and Faradje territories in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“The first 16 rhinos are expected in Garamba by the end of the second quarter of this year and will be followed by 60 more over the next three years,” said Mark Bristow, president of Barrick Gold Corporation.
He emphasized the goal of establishing a new population group for this species to ensure its long-term survival and enhance the park’s appeal. Bristow highlighted the importance of biodiversity conservation for combating climate change and fighting poverty.
During the reintroduction ceremony, Haut-Uélé Governor Christophe Nangaa described the initiative as “a great zoological challenge.”
He expressed optimism that the arrival of white rhinos would boost tourism and necessitate improvements in infrastructure by both central and provincial governments.
“The presence of these animals will attract global attention and underscore the significance of the park and its surrounding communities,” Nangaa stated.
The relocation of white rhinos to Garamba is part of Barrick’s broader efforts to protect and promote biodiversity and conserve wildlife. The company also funds the installation of GPS collars on elephants and lions, satellite connectivity, and veterinary care.
Garamba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Africa. It gained prominence due to its white rhino population, which has drastically declined from around 1,000 individuals in 1960 to just 15 by 1994.
The park is home to a variety of other wildlife, including elephants, northern giraffes, hippos, buffalo, and okapis. Its diverse landscapes feature vast savannahs, grassy and wooded areas, gallery forests along rivers, and marshy depressions.
To oversee the reintroduction project, Kibali Gold Mine partnered with African Parks and the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), the public agency responsible for protecting natural areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
