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Kenyan black rhinos make a comeback

A community-based approach to conservation has helped the black rhino in Kenya return to healthy numbers

Here's a conservation success story coming out of Kenya where three decades ago the Black Rhinoceros was on the brink of extinction.

Today, largely due to the involvement of the local community and the work of wardens policing the conservation area, the population of the rhinos has more than quadrupled over the last four decades, rising from a low point of 240 animals in 1984.

Indeed, the numbers have climbed so rapidly that they are β€˜overcrowding’ their sanctuaries, which is why 21 of the rare animals are being moved to a new home.

ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Newsday spoke to Alfred Mutua, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Wildlife and Tourism, on the day of the first transportations about the significance of this conservation turnaround.

"It's very important because it sends a message that it can be done. It shows that where there's a will to conserve what we have there is a way. As these animals grow in numbers we are protecting them."

(Pic: Community warden and a black rhino in Kenya; Credit: Getty Images)

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4 minutes