The Introduction of White Rhinos to Loisaba Conservancy

Loisaba is one of the few places in the world you can now see black and white rhinos, in the wild.

How many white rhinos are at Loisaba?

Loisaba Conservancy is currently home to 11 southern white rhinos. A founder population of 10 were introduced in August 2025 in collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

Each rhino was carefully selected by KWS veterinarians and conservation specialists to ensure they are healthy, genetically suitable, and able to adapt to Loisaba’s environment. The individuals include 6 from Lewa Conservancy and 4 from Meru National Park. Their names are Bhoke (F, age 6), Komu (M, age 6), Waliya (F, age 6), Kitita (M, age 11), Mia (M, age 19), Linette (F, age19), Amina (F, age 6). Since moving to Loisaba, Linnet has since had a calf named Cecilia, who is now 3 months old.

What is the difference between a white rhino and a black rhino?

White rhinos and black rhinos are distinct species with different physical characteristics, diets, and behaviours. The name “white” actually comes from a mistranslation of the Dutch word for “wide”, referring to the rhino’s wide, square-shaped mouth, which is perfectly adapted for grazing grass. In contrast, black rhinos have pointed, prehensile lips that are adapted for browsing shrubs. White rhinos are generally larger, weighing up to 2,300 kilograms, while black rhinos are smaller, reaching around 1,400 kilograms. They also differ in social behaviour: white rhinos are more social and often found in small groups, whereas black rhinos are typically solitary and more territorial. White rhinos naturally occur in southern Africa, while black rhinos are native to East Africa, including Kenya.

Why are you introducing southern white rhinos if they are not endemic?

While southern white rhinos are not naturally native to East Africa, Kenya is believed to be historically home to northern white rhinos. Sadly, northern white rhinos have become functionally extinct in the wild, with only two individuals remaining under intensive protection. By introducing southern white rhinos to Loisaba, we are restoring a population of white rhinos in Kenya, contributing to the continent-wide conservation of this iconic species and increasing genetic diversity for the long-term survival of white rhinos. This introduction also supports conservation funding and tourism, which in turn benefits the protection of all wildlife at Loisaba, including black rhinos, elephants, lions, and other species. Having white rhinos on the conservancy provides valuable research and learning opportunities, helping our staff, scientists, and conservationists study their behaviour, social dynamics, and habitat use. This knowledge not only helps improve management at Loisaba, but also informs broader strategies to protect rhinos across Africa.

Will they compete with the black rhinos?

No. White rhinos are strict grazers, feeding primarily on grass, while black rhinos are browsers that feed on shrubs and woody plants. Their diets do not overlap, and the two species do not compete for food.

Does that mean they will compete with other grazers that are endangered at loisaba, eg Grevy’s zebras and lelwell hartebeest?

White rhinos do consume an amount of grass roughly equivalent to what 20 cows would eat per day. However, Loisaba actively manages grazing across the conservancy. Grass availability is carefully monitored, and cattle numbers are adjusted as needed to ensure all wildlife, including endangered grazers such as Grevy’s zebras and Lelwel hartebeest, have enough to eat. The 10 white rhinos are spread across 58,000 acres, and their presence does not negatively affect other herbivores or the overall ecosystem.

How will white rhinos affect the ecosystem?

White rhinos are ecosystem engineers. Their grazing helps maintain healthy grasslands, creating microhabitats for insects and smaller animals, and indirectly supporting other herbivores by promoting plant diversity. At the same time, careful monitoring ensures that they do not negatively impact other wildlife or the overall ecosystem.

Why is this important for conservation?

Introducing white rhinos at Loisaba helps safeguard an iconic species under threat, contributes to genetic diversity, and supports tourism revenue that funds the protection of all wildlife on the conservancy. It also provides valuable research opportunities, helping staff and scientists understand rhino behaviour, ecology, and conservation needs, both at Loisaba and across Africa.

How you can help

If you would like to find out more information about how to support Loisaba and the Rhino Sanctuary please click here https://www.loisaba.com/loisabarhinos