The flight transporting the rhino, as well as South African National Parks and African Parks veterinarians, arrived in the Zakouma National Park in Chad shortly before 11:00 on Friday.

The rhino had been transported on Thursday from the Addo Elephant National Park, where they were held in bomas for three months. 

Their arrival marked the first time in 46 years that black rhino will roam the central African country.

The last black rhino (Diceros bicornis longipes) in Chad was noted in Zakouma in 1972, with the species officially being declared extinct in 2006.

Welcoming the rhino to the Zakouma National Park, South Africa's ambassador to Chad, Titus Matlakeng, said he was delighted that South Africa's conservation success, particularly in saving the black rhino from extinction, enabled "this contribution that marked the historic return of this iconic species to the Republic of Chad". 

"My fervent hope is that this reintroduction will contribute to the strengthening of conservation and tourism sectors that are critical in advancing economic growth, social cohesion, and rural development in both countries," he said.

Chad had earlier signed an agreement with African Parks Network (APN) which allows APN to manage the country’s national parks.  

Rhino have previously been translocated from South Africa to Namibia, Botswana, Rwanda and Tanzania.

News24