Rhinoceros of Loisaba – Conservation and Restoration

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cURTQSwgwOU

Bringing Rhinos Home: A Conversation with Tom Silvester

At Loisaba Conservancy, the return of rhinos to our landscape is one of the most significant moments in our conservation journey. In this special interview with Explorer.org, our CEO Tom Silvester reflects on what it has taken to restore rhinos to Loisaba, why this work matters, and what gives him hope for the future of rhino conservation in Kenya.

The conversation begins with the biology and behaviour of African rhinos, as Tom explains the differences between black and white rhino. As he puts it,

“the fundamental difference between white and black rhino is the black rhino is a browser, and the white rhino is a grazer.”

He goes on to describe their contrasting behaviour too: white rhino are generally more social, while black rhino are “very, very territorial.”

Tom explains how Kenya’s rhino population was devastated during the 20th century, falling from tens of thousands to only a few hundred animals. Yet today, there is real reason for hope. Across Kenya, carefully managed sanctuaries and conservation partnerships are helping rhino numbers recover, and Loisaba is now part of that story.

Loisaba became an important part of Kenya’s rhino conservation efforts as existing sanctuaries in Laikipia and elsewhere began reaching their ecological limits. As these areas filled up, expanding the range available for rhinos became increasingly important to ensure populations could continue to grow. At Loisaba, this effort began with the reintroduction of 21 eastern black rhino, carefully selected to establish a strong founder population. Tom explains that the conservancy could eventually support around 70 black rhino, making Loisaba a significant new landscape for the long-term future of the species in Kenya.

The interview also offers a fascinating insight into the complexity of rhino translocation. Tom describes it as “the most extraordinary operation,” involving helicopters, veterinary teams, monitoring equipment, crates, and constant care to ensure the animals arrive safely. It is a reminder that every rhino brought to Loisaba represents years of planning and collaboration.

One of the most powerful parts of the interview is Tom’s emphasis on people. For him, conservation success depends not only on security and science, but on community support. Speaking about the return of rhinos, he says, “one of the most exciting parts of the project for me… was the buy-in from community.” He recalls meetings in which community members said they felt “robbed of their heritage” when rhinos disappeared from the landscape.

Tom is clear that this support is the foundation of long-term protection:

“That is the best security you can have — a population of community members and partners living around the protected area that believe in the value of having those rhinos alive.”

The interview is also filled with optimism. “There’s a really hopeful and inspiring story in Kenya rhino conservation right now,” Tom says, pointing to growing populations, new habitats, and the shared effort to secure a future for both black and white rhino.

We invite you to watch the full interview to hear Tom share this story in his own words — from rhino behaviour and translocation to community partnership and the future of conservation at Loisaba.

Watch the full interview and discover what it takes to bring rhinos home.