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Our Ambitions

Endangered Species protection & wildlife management

Creation of «high-protection» area (Intensive Care Unit).

As part of its long-term commitment to rhino conservation, Sango is planning to develop a dedicated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) — a secure, protected area designed to provide urgent care for injured or sick rhinos, whether black or white. The ICU will allow for close monitoring, veterinary interventions, and recovery before individuals are released back into the wild.

Rhinos can sustain injuries for a number of reasons. Territorial fights between bulls — often over access to females — are a leading cause, especially in areas where rhino numbers have rebounded and population density is high. At Sango, which holds approximately 50% of the rhino population within the Save Valley Conservancy, such encounters are relatively common. Calves are also vulnerable when their mothers re-enter oestrus, as dominant bulls may injure unweaned young in attempts to mate. Poaching remains a persistent threat, alongside illness, ingestion of toxic plants, or injuries from natural hazards in the bush. On average, between 4 and 8 rhinos each year require emergency intervention involving aerial darting and veterinary care.

The ICU facility will include a 1,728 m² secure boma capable of housing up to two rhinos — both adults and calves — in need of specialized care. Key infrastructure will feature a storage unit for feed and veterinary supplies, on-site accommodation to ensure 24/7 presence, a solar-powered system for essential equipment such as lighting and refrigeration, and a piped water network to provide a reliable supply of clean water. An X-ray mobile unit has already been donated to equip the facilities.

The facility will be continuously monitored by anti-poaching scouts who remain on-site for the duration of any rhino’s treatment. This dedicated team is supported by a qualified veterinary unit that can be rapidly deployed by helicopter from Harare when advanced medical intervention or darting is required. Although the ICU is primarily designed for rhinos, it may also serve other critically endangered species when appropriate — particularly CITES-listed animals such as African wild dogs — further reinforcing Sango’s commitment to regional biodiversity conservation.

This Project contributes to

discover more:

Reinforced Management Plans for Key Species

Expanding the Natural Resources Protection Unit for Greater Impact

As Sango’s rhino population continues to grow, so does the need for specialized care. After more than a decade of focused conservation work, the reserve anticipates between 12 and 18 rhino births in the coming year. A planned translocation of 30 additional rhinos from Malilangwe to the southern Save Valley Conservancy will further boost local numbers. While the ICU currently expects to handle around 8 cases annually, projections suggest this could rise to 15–20 cases per year in the near future.

This project marks a vital step in enhancing Sango’s capacity for hands-on rhino conservation, building on its long-standing efforts in monitoring and anti-poaching, and supporting the revival of this iconic species. It provides the critical infrastructure needed to respond swiftly and effectively when individual animals are at risk — ensuring that each rhino receives the care it needs to recover and return to the wild, and that the population continues to thrive in the heart of Sango.

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