The giant animals, the second-largest land mammal, are considered to be under extreme pressure due to poaching.
African Parks’ project marks one of the largest continent-wide rewilding programmes undertaken for any species.
CEO Peter Fearnhead said they initially had no intention of owning of a captive rhino breeding operation however they “fully recognise the moral imperative of finding a solution for these animals, so that they can once again play their integral role in fully functioning ecosystems”.
The organisation says it plans to release the rhinos into secure, well-managed areas to protect them from poaching and it will work with funding partners, governments and other conservation groups to ensure this happens.
Mr Hume has received recognition as a conservationist however, he has also faced criticism for advocating the trade in rhino horn.
The southern white rhino population plummeted to an all-time low of 30 to 40 animals in the 1930’s however through effective conservation measures, the numbers surged to more than 20,000 in 2012.
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