In May 2017, black rhinos were re-introduced into Rwanda'a largest national park: Akagera. This move has been in the making for several years and is the result of efforts from many nations who donated time, money and resources to ensure their return happened smoothly and safely. But, rhinos weren't always absent from Akagera. In fact, at one point in time, it was home to over 50 black rhinos. Akagera’s tragic past Located in the northeastern corner of Rwanda, on the border with Tanzania, Akagara National Park is one of four national parks in Rwanda.  This park has seen a great deal of calamity, which stemmed from poor management and rampant poaching. In the 1990’s, during the peak of the Rwandan Civil War, refugees took residence in the park. In 1997, the Rwandan Government reduced the size of the park by over 50% to provide farming land for the displaced people. African Parks and Rwanda Development Board In 2010, the Akagera Management Company was formed as a partnership between Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and African Parks. The agreement terms were for 20 years and on a renewable basis. One of the first projects they tackled was the construction of a new fence. The fence, funded by the Rwandan government, was instrumental in their plans to reintroduce lions back in Akagera. It also served to help lessen human conflict by reducing the number of wildlife from crossing onto nearby farmland. Lions come to Akagera In 2015, seven lions were reintroduced in Akagera. The safari company, &Beyond, donated five female lions from the Phina Private Game Reserve in South Africa. The two males were donated from Tembe Elephant Reserve in South Africa. The lions are also doing well and, at the time of publishing, there are presently 19 lions. African Parks, Howard G. Buffett and