wildlife 15 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Young UWA Vet Dr. Nancy Masia Leads High-Stakes Rhino Relocation at Ziwa Sanctuary
At 26, Dr. Nancy Masia, one of Uganda Wildlife Authority's youngest veterinary officers, joins a critical mission to relocate rhinos from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Ajai Wildlife Reserve, aiming to revive a species extinct due to poaching. Her journey from a nomadic childhood to frontline conservation highlights precision, courage, and a passion for protecting Uganda's wildlife. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/a-day-on-duty-with-vet-saving-uganda-s-rhinos-5425050
Dawn breaks over Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch in Nakasongola District, where a team prepares for a delicate operation. Rangers position steel crates and a crane, while Dr. Nancy Masia, 26, meticulously checks darting equipment. As a key Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) veterinary officer, she helps relocate two rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve in Madi Okollo District to restore a population wiped out by poaching.
The process demands absolute precision. Dosages are double-checked to avoid under- or over-sedation. A dart flies, sparking a brief chase as the rhino reacts before slowing and collapsing. Masia monitors its breathing, applies a blindfold to ease stress, and adjusts its position, blending training with instinct.
Masia’s path to this role started in childhood, moving across Uganda’s diverse landscapes, fueling her love for nature. At Makerere University, she gained field experience in parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls. After a brief stint in small animal care, she volunteered with UWA, securing her position by 2025.
The sedated rhinos are craned into crates and transported by convoy under constant watch. Masia stresses wildlife work’s unpredictability, recalling a giraffe snare rescue. Her efforts extend to disease prevention, noting over 60% of diseases can jump between animals and humans.
As the convoy heads out, Masia reflects on her drive: contributing to Uganda’s wildlife protection. This relocation revives rhinos through careful steps from monitoring to supervised transport.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)