Rhinos die after transfer
2005-05-18 14:35
Nairobi - Four black rhinos have died in a private sanctuary in Kenya's Rift Valley province after they were transferred from Nairobi National Park, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said on Wednesday.
The rhinos died early this month in a farm owned by renowned Italian author Kuki Gallman in Rift Valley's Laikipia district, said KWS spokesperson Edward Indakwa.
"We are investigating the cause of the death of the four rhinos," he added.
The dead rhinos were part of a group of nine that were transferred from a sanctuary in Nairobi National Park to Laikipia on May 1, officials said.
There are about 435 black rhinos in Kenya, and Nairobi National Park is home to at least 56, according to Indakwa.
But conservationists have disputed the figure saying it has been over estimated.
Most black rhinos are bred in the park, located south of the capital, then transferred to other sanctuaries and parks across the East African nation, officials said.