Kenya bets... on rhinos

Imagine a park as big as... almost twice the size of London. Yes, you read that right: 3,200 km² of land dedicated to a single epic goal, saving rhinos. This is what has just happened in Kenya, where the world's largest rhino sanctuary has been inaugurated in the heart of Tsavo West National Park.

Kenyan rhinos

Let's start with the animals in question: rhinos. There are two key species in Kenya: the critically endangered Eastern Black Rhino and the Southern White Rhino.

The African country is home to almost 78% of the world's population of Eastern Black Rhinos, a species that was seriously threatened with extinction in the 1980s.

A new record-breaking super-sanctuary

December 9, 2025, was a historic day: the President of Kenya officially inaugurated the new, expanded version of the Tsavo West Rhino Sanctuary.

Previously, the small Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary covered only 92 km², which was far too small for so many rhinos. Today, thanks to this expansion, the space dedicated to these pachyderms has exploded to 3,200 km²: a huge area, as we said before, almost twice the size of London.

Why this move is so important

The reason for this choice is simple: more space means more chance of survival.

The old sanctuary was overcrowded, with too many animals in too little space, which drastically reduced the species' chances of reproduction and growth.

In the new space, rhinos can finally move around, form healthy territories, and reproduce without stress. The goal? To grow the population more quickly and bring it to safer levels within the next few years.

High-tech in the middle of the savannah

It's not just a mega park: it's a super-protected area. Kenya has invested in cutting-edge technologies such as AI cameras and drones, ultra-modern tracking systems, and even aircraft to monitor every corner of the sanctuary. This not only helps rangers keep poachers away, but also allows them to study and better understand the rhythms of these incredible animals. Basically, conservation 2.0!

A bit of history: almost extinct, but still here

In the 1970s and 1980s, the situation was tragic: Tsavo and other areas of Africa were once home to thousands of rhinos. But illegal hunting, combined with habitat loss, almost drove these giant pachyderms to extinction.

By 1989, the black rhino population in Kenya had fallen below 20. Less than twenty! The fact that it is now home to over a thousand is a real twist, almost like a plot twist in a movie.

Not just animals: benefits for everyone

This project is not only important for rhinos. The new sanctuary brings with it social and economic benefits: thousands of jobs related to tourism and protection, infrastructure development, and a boost to the local economy.

And yes, the environment is also grateful. Having a large protected area helps to conserve not only rhinos, but also other species, ecosystems, and even local water resources.

A future with more rhinos?Let's keep our fingers crossed!

Kenya has set itself an ambitious goal: to increase the rhino population to around 2,000 by 2037. The annual growth rate is expected to increase from 5% to almost 8%, thanks to extra space and new technologies.

In simple terms? More space + more security = more rhino calves in the future!

Why we care (and why we MUST care)

As well as being amazing animals with a “futuristic design,” rhinos are part of an ecosystem that supports hundreds of other species. Losing rhinos would mean losing an entire chain of natural balances. This giant sanctuary is not just a protected area: it is a promise. A promise of a better future.