Conservation News

Nyungwe Weighs Forest Elephant Reintroduction in Rwanda

More than two decades after African forest elephants were eliminated by poaching, Rwanda is assessing the feasibility of reintroducing the species to Nyungwe Park. The study will assess the project's ecological, socio-economic and logistical factors, as well as potential human-wildlife conflict and long-term tourism benefits. The government of Rwanda and African Parks, which co-manage the Park, look forward to the results, which will inform their decision.  

New Rhino Conservation Milestone For the Kenya Wildlife Service

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is reflecting on how far it has come since 1989, when poaching reduced its rhino population to fewer than 400 individuals. A recent success is the relocation of 6 southern white rhinos from Solio Game Ranch to the Naserian Wildlife Conservancy – now the country's 19th rhino sanctuary. The move aligns with Kenya's 2024-2028 Strategic Plan aimed at species recovery and expanding rhino ranges.

Solar pumped water for Himba communities

Wilderness Safaris has launched a solar-powered borehole project to bring safe, reliable water to Himba families and their livestock in northern Namibia. This access to water replaces dangerous treks to the crocodile-filled Kunene River. The initiative is safeguarding lives, while empowering the community through sustainable resource management.

Conservation Victory as Tanzania Blocks Lake Natron Mining

Tanzania's government has denied approval for the construction of an industrial soda ash mine at Lake Natron – a popular tourist attraction and home to more than 300 bird species, including the world's largest breeding population of lesser flamingos. In early 2025, Ngaresero Valley Company announced plans to develop a plant with capacity to extract one million tons of soda ash from the lake basin annually. The government blocked the proposal in August, following several months of lobbying by communities surrounding the lake, coordinated by Nature Tanzania. More than 65,000 people depend on the lake for livestock grazing, salt harvesting, eco-tourism and access to the freshwater springs flowing into the basin.

Chocolate for a Cause

Sisters Judy and Jan recently returned from a safari to Botswana and alerted us to a US-based chocolatier, L.A. Burdick, that is creating delicious confections and supporting African wildlife, at the same time.

Their milk chocolate elephants and rhinos are works of art, created entirely by hand over three days. Each animal is hand-piped with dark chocolate ganache infused with fresh mint leaves, hand-dipped in milk chocolate, and hand-decorated with white chocolate.

Best of all, 100% of net proceeds are donated to Space for Giants, a Kenya-based non-profit organization protecting Africa's wildlife and habitats.

Each elephant and rhino comes in its own box, tied with a ribbon, making it the perfect gift for a safari-lover.

Thank you Jan and Judy!

Find out more and order here.