A Rhino Return

Back From the Brink

May 19, 2025

∙ Paid

Zambia was once home to the third-largest black rhino population in Africa, but by 1998, the animals were declared nationally extinct due to heavy poaching.

Now, over two decades later, black rhinos have been reintroduced in North Luangwa National Park 🏞️, one of the last open and intact ecosystems in Africa.

But the rhinos’ comeback hasn't been an easy one.

Though outlawed, their horns are used in traditional Asian medicine, making them a prime target for poaching 💔.

Before any rhinos could be reintroduced, tougher laws were enacted, along with more frequent patrols of the parks' extensive grounds, by rangers, community scouts, police officers, canine units 🐕, and aircraft.

As poaching dwindled, wildlife populations bounced back, making way for 25 new rhinos 🦏 who were airlifted from neighboring countries over the course of seven years.

Since then, the population has doubled while remaining safe from poachers.

As the animals returned, so did jobs at the national park, which employs almost 500 people, and through conservation and ecotourism 💼.

The park has also played a key role in building schools, protecting property under threat from wildlife, supporting micro-loans and small businesses.

Through the combined efforts of government, community, and conservationists, the Black Rhinoceros’ of Zambia are again thriving in a place they’ve always belonged 🌍.

A Rhino Return

Back From the Brink

Zambia was once home to the third-largest black rhino population in Africa, but by 1998, the animals were declared nationally extinct due to heavy poaching.

We want to know what you think of this story!

This post is for paid subscribers