Saving a Species: Rhino | Rewriting the Future - The Malilangwe Trust’s two historic translocations to Gonarezhou

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Every rhino counts.

In this episode, Sarah Clegg (Malilangwe Trust’s Ecologist at Singita Malilangwe), chats to Tash Dzwukutu (Assistant Lodge Manager at Singita Pamushana Lodge) about the extensive rhino conservation projects in Zimbabwe. Sarah has been in this role for almost 30 years. From a post-graduate student to a Master's degree in Ecology, she oversees the study and monitoring of Malilangwe’s rhino population, with a focus on black rhino social ecology.

They discuss the role of black and white rhino in the ecosystem, the Malilangwe Trust’s (MT’s) conservation efforts, and the threats facing rhino - namely habitat loss and illegal poaching for their horn. Ironically, on the Malilangwe Reserve, growing rhino populations have created a new challenge, prompting two historic translocations — of black and white rhinos — to establish breeding herds in the nearby Gonarezhou National Park.

Learn about the long-term rhino projects to save the species in Zimbabwe and hear how Sarah carefully selects which bonded rhino groups to relocate without disrupting population dynamics.

Tune in for Sarah’s heartwarming tales about the rhinos that were relocated to the national park next door and another story of renewal. These new populations represent our hope for the future!
Chapters
  • 00:00 Introduction to Safari Conversations
  • 01:32 Sarah Clegg's background and work with rhinos
  • 03:17 Sarah's fieldwork and rhino monitoring
  • 04:47 Black and white rhino conservation status and differences
  • 07:33 Ecological importance of rhinos
  • 10:13 Threats to rhino populations
  • 14:15 Rhino translocation process and challenges
  • 18:04 Gonarezhou National Park rhino reintroduction
  • 19:51 Malilangwe Trust Rhino Projects
  • 24:14 Ecotourism's role in conservation
  • 27:24 Hope for the future and a special rhino story
27 Oct 2025 English South Africa Society & Culture · Places & Travel

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