The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has begun the third phase of relocating herbivores from Kedong Ranch in Naivasha to safer habitats.

In a statement on Friday, April 24, KWS said the latest exercise comes after two earlier operations conducted seven and five months ago.

“Kenya Wildlife Service has officially embarked on the third phase of relocating herbivores from Kedong Ranch to safer habitats. This follows two successful operations carried out seven and five months ago, during which more than 450 animals were translocated,” the statement read.

KWS also gave details of a recent transfer involving over 30 gazelles and elands.

“In a recent operation, the team moved more than 20 Grant’s gazelles and 10 elands from Kedong Ranch to Solai Sanctuary,” the statement added.

KWS explained that Kedong Ranch had previously played a key role as a wildlife movement corridor between Mount Longonot and Hell’s Gate National Park, but that status has changed significantly.

“Kedong Ranch once served as a vital wildlife corridor linking Mount Longonot and Hell’s Gate National Park. Today, that corridor has all but disappeared; lost to fencing, road construction, and rapid land sales,” the statement noted.

KWS explained that shrinking habitats were making it harder for animals to access essential resources.

“As habitats shrink under these pressures, wildlife is pushed into smaller and more fragile spaces where access to food and water is no longer guaranteed,” the statement further read.

KWS said the current phase, aiming to relocate approximately 200 animals, is aimed at improving the long-term survival chances of affected animals.

“In this third phase, the team aims to relocate approximately 200 herbivores to areas where they have a better chance of survival and can thrive in their natural habitats for posterity,” the statement concluded.