Another rhino dies at Tsavo, death toll rises to 9

Another black rhino has died raising the death toll to nine out of the eleven that were translocated from Nairobi and Nakuru National Parks to a new sanctuary in Tsavo East National Park.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala on Tuesday announced the death and confirmed that all the 18 rhino horns recovered from the dead animals are intact. Balala said they are waiting the autopsy report on the cause of deaths.

“We have confirmed the surviving two are in good health and were seen at Maungu and one around the sanctuary,” said Balala.

The circumstances surrounding their death are still shrouded in mystery as as various theories are given by conservationists.

“We have called upon Prof Gathumi who was there on Thursday and Friday taking the samples who has promised us by 23rd of this month will give a post-mortem report we have also sent take the samples of the feed  of the sugarcane that was provided,”” he added.

An external independent team has also been appointed to investigate the situation with CS Balala confirming that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has been left out the investigation.

CS Balala however promised to give answers to the mystery surrounding the death.

“We will be transparent and we will be public in every information that is required,” he pledged.

Earlier on, there was speculation of deliberate foul play in the death of the rhinos. As of now translocation of rhinos has been stopped  until further notice.