TANAPA hailed for rhino conservation in Tanzania

By Lake Zone Watch Writer

Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) has won plaudits for conserving rhinoceros species, the rare magnificent animals threatened with extinction globally.

In a speech delivered yesterday to mark the World Rhino Day, Serengeti District Commissioner Dr, Vincent Mashinji said it was through the arduous efforts of TANAPA workers who have endured difficult moments in conserving rhinos being hunted for their precious horns.

“TANAPA officers and game wardens have through their sweat and blood ensured these rare animals continued to exist. The presence of rhinos in Serengeti National Park has immensely contributed to the increase of tourists,” he said.

Mashinji said this when he was the guest of honour at celebrations to mark World Rhino Day held at Fort Ikoma.

“I’m happy to be told that the population of these rare animals is increasing year after year. This increase has consequently led to the soaring number of local and foreign tourists. As the Serengeti District Commissioner I’ll cooperative with TANAPA to protect this generation of rhinos,” he vowed.

The District Commissioner urged TANAPA to consider breeding the rhinos in other national parks such as Burigi-Chato, Arusha and Nyerere.

Speaking at the same venue, Assistant Commissioner for Conservation, Albert Mziray, praised investors in the tourism sector for their contribution in preserving the rhinos. He mentioned such investors as Frankfurt Zoological Society, World Wildlife Fund, Friends of Serengeti and Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority which have played a crucial to ensure that rhinos are protected.

The World Rhino Day, annually observed on September 22 is aimed at raising awareness about the critical plight of the rhinoceros species and advocating for their protection.