Safeguarding Ol Pejeta's Rhino Populations

We are writing to you with our quarterly update to share the incredible progress achieved at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, made possible by your generosity. As one of the world's most important wildlife sanctuaries, hosting Kenya's largest population of eastern black rhinos and the last two northern white rhinos, the challenges we face are significant.

Thank you. Your commitment powers the round-the-clock ranger patrols, wildlife monitoring, and community engagement programs that safeguard these globally relevant species. We are pleased to share the following progress, demonstrating the direct impact of your investment:

We are thrilled to report continued growth within our crash. We recorded two new black rhino births in October  this development brings our total births for the year to 22 calves (16 Black Rhino and 6 Southern White Rhino).

As of the end of October, our total rhino population stands at 237 individuals:

• 182 Eastern Black Rhino (We proudly remain the biggest Eastern Black Rhino sanctuary in East Africa!)

• 53 Southern White Rhino

• 2 Northern White Rhino

To support the highest standards of rhino management and monitoring, our Wildlife Operations team recently embarked on a critical three-week external rhino audit.

• Objective: To physically verify, photograph, and update the identification records of every individual rhino under our care. This will involve creating and updating detailed ID booklets to enhance future recognition and monitoring.

• Collaboration: We are working closely with accredited rhino monitors from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and other leading rhino sanctuaries in the landscape.

• Wider Impact: This essential exercise supports the implementation of the National Rhino Recovery Strategy and will contribute significantly to our broader conservation goals.

The success we share—from population growth to effective monitoring—is a direct result of your partnership. Your investment ensures we can implement a myriad of solutions, including ranger training, wildlife conservation, and community support.

Thank you once again for making these vital conservation efforts for a globally relevant species possible. We look forward to updating you on the final results of the rhino audit next year.

As we settle into the heart of 2025, we're thrilled to bring you the latest update of the year, showcasing the incredible impact of your consistent generosity. April and May ushered in the much-anticipated wet season, drenching our conservancy in life-giving rain and sparking a remarkable transformation.

In early June, a major milestone was achieved for rhino conservation in Laikipia, representing a significant step forward for the critically endangered black rhino.

Over a meticulous 19-day operation, 21 black rhinos were successfully translocated from Ol Pejeta, Lewa Conservancy, and Lake Nakuru National Park to their new home at Segera Conservancy. Of these, nine individuals came from Ol Pejeta.

Led by the Kenya Wildlife Service and Zeitz Foundation, this collaborative effort aims to:

• Ease pressure on rhino sanctuaries nearing their ecological carrying capacity.

• Promote healthier, more genetically diverse populations in secure, well-managed habitats.

As our Head of Research and Species Conservation, Samuel Mutisya, aptly noted: "We’re not just moving rhinos—we’re helping to seed a new population that can thrive.”

We're incredibly pleased to share that all translocated rhinos have now settled in well and are beginning to make a home in their new surroundings—a hopeful sign for the future of this iconic species.

As we celebrate these successes, we are reminded that they are only possible because of dedicated supporters like you.

Thank you for your continued trust and belief in our mission.