The great migration: 30-08-2007
Thousands of animals are being transferred across Kenya in an attempt to repopulate Meru National Park.
The park - which was the setting for the film
Born Free about an orphaned lioness cub - had been overrun by bandits and poachers, leading to the decimation of wildlife numbers. However, officials are now trying to replenish lost animals by relocating creatures from all over the country.
Most of the animals are coming from private ranches, sanctuaries and other national parks. Over the last few years, hundreds of animals have been relocated to Meru, and an endangered white rhino calf was born within the park for the first time in 20 years.
Kenya Wildlife Service spokesman Paul Udoto said that measures would be taken to ensure that bandits and poachers did not greatly affect the animals again. Speaking to the National Geographic, he said: "If any poachers come in, we will be ready for them. That is why we are confident of moving these animals in a single go."
Meru National Park is located at the foot of the Nyambene Hills, approximately 216 miles from Kenya's capital of Nairobi.
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