The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has said that it has introduced giraffes and hartebeests to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which is located in Nakitoma village, Nakasongola district, along the Gulu highway.

According to UWA, three giraffes were successfully transferred to the sanctuary on August 19, 2024, which covers 70 square km.

Emma Kiyonga, one of the UWA rangers, noted that the introduction of the animals seeks to increase the sanctuary’s biodiversity and provide visitors a rare opportunity to see these creatures alongside the sanctuary’s famous Southern White Rhinos.

Bashir Hangi, the UWA’s Communications Manager, emphasized that the relocation of these species is vital for increasing the sanctuary’s capacity to support diverse wildlife populations, noting that adding giraffes and hartebeests will enrich the experience for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.

“We don’t want to keep there rhinos alone; we want a variety of animals to improve the tourism of the area,” Hangi said.

UWA has initiated this translocation to also expand the range of giraffes, particularly in light of potential impacts from oil and gas activities in the northern part of Murchison Falls National Park.

The introduction of giraffes to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is intended to establish a viable population in a new area, thereby supporting long-term conservation goals and boosting tourism in the region.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established in 2005 and is the only place in Uganda where white rhinos can be seen in the wild. The sanctuary has successfully increased its rhino population from six to over 40 animals over the years.