Tanzania: Ngorongoro Black Rhino Whereabouts Shrouded in Mystery

Ngorongoro — Mystery surrounds the case of a rhino that is missing from Ngorongoro Crater and believed to have been sold dubiously by some officials from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) and Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).

The Prime Minister, Mr. Kassim Majaliwa, has demanded that the famous Black Rhino, known as 'John' that was removed from Ngorongoro Crater under a dubious arrangement be restored back to the caldera immediately.

Speaking at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the premier shocked the audience when he revealed the scam through which some NCAA officials together with others from TANAPA colluded to sell the Black Rhino for 200m/- but as it happened, the buyers had paid an advance of 100m/- to have the rare animal taken from the caldera.

"I know that the rhino was taken to Grumeti Reserve in Serengeti under the pretext of having the rare and endangered animal breed in the location. But in reality, it is under ownership of the private lodge," said the prime minister.

According to the premier, the rhino was taken to Grumeti Singita Sasakwa Lodge where nothing was heard of ever since the animal was taken there months ago. Mr Majaliwa even named some of the suspects - two officials from TANAPA, Dr Macha (from Mkomazi National Park) and Dr. Kileo (Serengeti National Park), as well as Mr Patrice Mattay (former ecologist at Ngorongoro), Israel Naaman and Cuthbert Lemanya (both from NCAA). Mr. Mattay was present during the meeting between Premier Majaliwa and NCAA officials.

When he was called forward to defend himself, the ecologist refuted the claims, saying that the shifting of the rhino followed the 'right procedures.' He even told the meeting that the claims about them pocketing 200m/- were 'pure lies'.

This prompted the Arusha Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr. Mrisho Gambo, to reprimand him for insinuating that the prime minister was a liar.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the only place in the country with the highest concentration of free roaming rhinos, all safe inside the well-guarded crater. The number is estimated to be above 35, but no one seems to be missing.