Rhinos Return: A New Chapter Begins at Segera Conservancy

In a major conservation milestone, the Zeitz Foundation and Segera—working in close partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)—have successfully relocated 2 of 21 critically endangered eastern black rhinos to Segera’s 50,000-acre Conservancy. More than a relocation effort, this project is a visionary model for regeneration and part of Kenya’s broader plan to connect neighboring conservancies and establish one of the largest interconnected rhino sanctuaries in the world.

As Kenya is home to about 80 percent of the world's remaining eastern black rhinos, 2024 data showed the country housed a total of only 1,977 rhinos, made up of 1,004 eastern black rhinos, 971 southern white rhinos, and two critically endangered northern white rhinos.

Jochen Zeitz the founder of the ZEITZ Foundation and Segera says, “We are so excited to be welcoming endangered Black Rhinos back to Segera. By giving these rhinos an expansive new home, we not only expect to see numbers increase significantly in coming years, but it also benefits communities while enhancing the biodiversity and landscapes of Central Kenya.” said Zeitz.

Enhanced Security and Ecological Monitoring

The translocation process is expected to take approximately 18 to 21 days, during which the rhinos will be closely monitored by KWS specialists and Segera’s dedicated anti-poaching team to help them acclimate to their new environment. These rhinos are not returning to untouched wilderness, but to land that has been purposefully restored for their survival. Once overgrazed and fragmented, the area has been transformed into thriving grasslands supported by advanced water infrastructure, wildlife monitoring systems, and enhanced security. Organizers have emphasized that all existing land rights and boundaries will be respected and remain unaffected by the translocation. Ongoing ecological monitoring will ensure sustainable habitat management and help mitigate human-wildlife conflict.

A Living Legacy of the 4Cs

As community involvement remains central to the project’s success, neighboring areas around Segera are set to benefit from new employment opportunities, skills training, and the rise of conservation-led economic development—a vision that reflects Jochen Zeitz’s long-term commitment to sustainability through the 4Cs: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce. This philosophy underpins The Long Run, a global initiative founded by the ZEITZ Foundation that supports nature-based tourism enterprises working to protect over 21 million acres worldwide, with Segera as a founding member.

A Tourism Model That Regenerates

Aside from being a vital hub for the relocation project, Segera is also an award-winning eco-tourism destination where every guest stay directly supports the ecosystem and the communities who protect it. As a pioneer in regenerative tourism, Segera offers travelers a luxury safari experience grounded in purpose. Visitors are invited to take part in guided rewilding walks, learn about the 4C Philosophy, meet rangers and researchers, and explore how tourism revenue fuels long-term ecological and community resilience. Today, guests will also now have the rare opportunity to witness the return of critically endangered eastern black rhinos to their ancestral lands.

Images of Segera here.

Additional Images of the Rhino Relocation here.