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BANNED: The sale of white rhinos outside their natural distribution range has been prohibited. Photo: FILE
BANNED: The sale of white rhinos outside their natural distribution range has been prohibited. Photo: FILE

Govt bans white rhino exports for breeding outside natural range

Ellanie Smit
The export of live white rhinos from Namibia outside their natural distribution range for breeding purposes has been banned.

This was confirmed by environment minister Pohamba Shifeta yesterday, who said the decision has already been gazetted.

“In terms of Section 49 of the Nature Conservation Ordinance... I make it known that I have prohibited the export of live white rhinos outside [the] natural distribution range for breeding purposes,” he said in the government notice.

This falls under the conditions that a limit of five animals of Namibian origin are kept at any given time in any zoo or facility.

Shifeta said the other conditions stipulate that before being exported for purposes other than breeding, white rhinos must be dehorned and microchipped, and must be accompanied by a Rhino Index System certificate, while ministry staff members must be present when the animal is loaded for export.

The ministry recently announced that it will better regulate the export of live white rhinos outside their natural range after noting with concern an increase in sending white rhinos to the United States of America (USA) for breeding purposes.

The ban was gazetted after 39 rhinos were exported from Namibia to the USA in a private sale.

According to ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda, the rhinos - purchased from Kifaru Luxury Lodge and Bush Camp near Outjo - landed safely in Texas last week after being airlifted from the Hosea Kutako International Airport and transported in a Boeing 747.



Concerned

While the ministry authorised the sale of the live white rhinos - previously owned by Namibian farmer Jaco Muller - it was concerned by the high interest in sending white rhinos from Namibia to especially the USA for breeding purposes. The ban came into force shortly after the sale was concluded.

In a statement, the Rhino Momma Project said the Muller family and their team’s dedication to preserve the legacy of the southern white rhino’s genetic legacy led to the establishment of the non-profit organisation, adding that the programme has resulted in 163 rhinos being born.

It added that its fundraising capabilities fall short to cover the financial and moral burdens the family has had to shoulder.

“While the sale of rhinos has provided short-term financial relief in resources, the heavy financial burden remains as their undertaking has spanned over a decade,” it said.

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Namibian Sun 2024-12-06

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