Four white rhinoceroses arrive in Guadalajara for conservation

Four white rhinoceroses—three females and one male—are being transferred from Europe to the Guadalajara Zoo in Jalisco, Mexico, as part of an international conservation program. The animals, named Salma, Moana, Lewa, and Wami, are traveling from institutions in Germany and France to strengthen genetic diversity and support reproduction efforts for the species.

Salma (5) and Moana (9) originate from Serengeti-Park Hodenhagen in Germany, while Lewa (4) and Wami (15) come from institutions in France. The transfer involves a specialized flight from Paris to Guadalajara, followed by land transport to the zoo facilities.

Upon arrival, the rhinoceroses will undergo a period of quarantine, veterinary assessment, and adaptation in specially prepared facilities. This initiative, coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria and the Association of Zoos, Breeders and Aquariums of Mexico (Azcarm), aims to prevent the southern white rhinoceros from facing the same extinction risks as its northern relative.