For the Samburu people of northern Kenya, it was a joyous occasion. Last fall, three baby black rhinos were the first of 20 of their species to be relocated from national parks and nature preserves to the newly established Sera Rhino Sanctuary. They were the first rhinos in the area since the last one there was killed 25 years ago.
The black rhino is an endangered species, along with its close relation, the white rhino. The threat comes from poachers, who kill the animals for their horns. The horns are prized in parts of Asia and Africa for supposed medicinal or magical qualities. Rhino horn is worth nearly $30,000 a pound on the black market. The Samburu and two other tribes are working together to protect the animals.