Rhino naming ceremony 2025 at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
On September 22nd, 2025, Uganda is set to make a significant statement about its commitment to wildie conservation. At the heart of this historic moment is the first-ever Rhino Naming Ceremony, this wonderful event is to be held at the renowned Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This ceremony is not just about giving names to the rhinos; but it is a powerful symbol of Uganda’s journey bring rhinos back from the brink of extinction and a major fundraising effort to secure their future. The event, which will be presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, marks a crucial milestone in the country’s ambitious conservation strategy.
A species Reborn; from extinction to recovery.
The story of rhinos in Uganda is one of the tragedy and triumph. By the early 1980’s due to decades of widespread poaching and then civil unrest, rhinos were completely wiped out from the wild in Uganda. For over two decades, the absence of this majestic ‘’Big five’’ animal was a painful reminder of the country’s conservation challenges. However, the story changed in 2006 with the establishments of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. A joint effort between Rhino Fund Uganda and then Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) brought 6 Southern White Rhinos from Kenya and then United States to the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is a private animal sanctuary in Nakasongola District, became the safe haven for these precious animals. Over the years, with the dedicated care and round the clock protection, the breeding program has been incredible successful. From the beginning with 6 rhinos, the population has grown steadily. As of late 2024, the number of the rhinos at Ziwa had reached 46, with a total of 48 in the country. This remarkable recovery is a testament to the hard work and then commitment of the conservationists at Ziwa, who have successful turned a dream of the reintroduction into a living, breathing reality.
The ‘’Name A Rhino’’ Celebration.
The upcoming naming ceremony on September 22nd is the attraction of a larger, five year fundraising campaign known as ‘’Name A Rhino’’. The campaign, with a goal of raising 11 USD million (UGX 40 billion) is designed to ensure the long-term survival of Uganda’s rhino population. The funds raised will be used for a number of the important conservation activities, including;
Habitat expansion; securing and then expanding the land where rhinos can live and then thrive.
Veterinary care; providing top-notch medical attention and then health monitoring for the rhinos.
Anti-poaching measures; strengthening security with more rangers, better equipment, and advanced surveillance technology to protect the rhinos from the poachers.
Community conservation programs; working with the local communities to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife and to provide them with the economic opportunities related to tourism.
The ceremony will offer individuals, companies and philanthropists a unique opportunity to symbolically ‘’adopt’’ and then name one of the 17 rhino calves and old ones. The act of naming a rhino is more than just giving it an identity; it is about leaving a lasting legacy and directly contributing to the conservation of a species that was once lost to the country.
A New chapter; the translocation to Ajai Wildlife reserve.
The naming ceremony on September 22 will also mark the beginning of a new and then exciting chapter in Uganda’s conservation story; the translocation of rhinos back into the wild. The plan is to move a group of rhinos from the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to the Ajai Wildlife Reserve in northern Uganda. This is a monumental step as it will be the first time in decades that rhinos will move freely in a national park within the country.
This reintroduction program is a major program of Uganda’s border Rhino Conservation Strategy (2018 to 2028), which aims to increase the rhino population by at least 5% every year. The trans- location to Ajai will not only give the rhinos a large, more natural habitat but will also open up new tourism opportunities in the West Nile region that brings economic benefits to local communities and expanding Uganda’s safari at large.
It’s a symbol of Hope and a platform for tourism.
The Rhino naming ceremony is a strong symbol of Uganda’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage. It showcases the country as a leader in conservation and an attraction safari destination for the sustainable tourism. Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) views this event as a platform to highlight Uganda’s ‘’Big seven’’-the Big five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) plus mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.
The presence of the dignitaries including the Resident and then other international guest underscores the earthly importance of this event. It is a clear message to the world that Uganda is a serious about its conservation efforts and that the country’s wildlife is a national asset worth protecting. The event is a unique blend of culture, conservation and then tourism, inviting people from all over the world to participate in the Uganda’s remarkable comeback story. By naming a rhino, a person becomes a part of this story, a part of a living legacy that will grow and then live for the generations to come.
For more information about Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, especially about the rhino tracking safari experience and then on how to be combined with other close safari destinations like Murchison falls national park for a wonderful Uganda safari tour, you are reminded not to look further than African Vacation Safaris, it has got the expertise tour consultants that will help to design your longtime safari dream of encountering the Uganda’s last remaining rhinos and you will have the unforgettable safari memories in your entire life. As well we can take you to other Uganda’s fascinating safari activities from gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey trekking and among others and as well extends your safari experience to your desired safari destinations; and then in largely in East Africa as well including Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo and without forgetting Southern Africa destinations including Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana that makes your African safari complete.