What started as a conservation triumph has taken an unexpected turn. In Nepal, the greater one-horned rhino, once nearly extinct, has made an incredible comeback. But now, some of these massive creatures are strolling out of Chitwan National Park and straight into people’s neighborhoods—turning streets into grazing grounds and locals into surprised neighbors.
A Remarkable Recovery
Screenshot from “Rhino Takes A Jog Through Nepal”, Uploaded: Viralhog, Source: YouTube.
Back in the 1970s, Nepal’s rhino population had dwindled to around 100. Thanks to dedicated conservation work, that number has surged to nearly 700. It’s one of the world’s great wildlife recovery stories. But with more rhinos than space, some have started venturing into nearby towns and farmland. People in places like Sauraha now see rhinos wandering through markets and lounging on lawns—a surreal, almost magical sight for some. But for others, it brings fear and uncertainty.
Rhinos With Names and Fans
Rhinoceros, Bandia nature reserve, Senegal
Not every rhino is wild and unpredictable. Some, like Pushpa, Anjali, and Meghauli, were hand-raised by park staff and are well known around town. They’ve become local celebrities, often spotted calmly grazing near buildings or hanging around hotel courtyards. Residents know them by name, and tourists love the chance to see them up close. These rhinos are living proof of conservation success—and a daily reminder of how closely humans and animals now share space.
A Tense Relationship With the Wild Ones
But not all rhinos are as friendly. Wild rhinos, especially males, can be unpredictable—and deadly. In just six months, eight people were killed in the buffer zones surrounding the park. Some were farmers trying to protect their crops. Others were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. While rhinos are respected, these tragic encounters have sparked fear and frustration. Some residents feel that their safety has taken a back seat to conservation.
Living With Giants in Your Backyard
Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), near Narayani River, Chitwan Community Forest buffer zone, Nepal.
For the people of Chitwan, adapting to life with rhinos has meant changing routines, locking gates, and sometimes just waiting indoors while a rhino passes by. Some now leave their homes later in the day or walk in groups to avoid encounters. Despite the risks, there’s still a strong sense of pride. Many see the rhinos as part of Nepal’s national identity—and a success story worth celebrating, even with its complications.
Tourism Booms, But So Do Conflicts
Indian rhinoceros at Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India. 2016. Mayank1704, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rhinos draw visitors from all over the world, and that’s good news for the local economy. Tourists spend money on hotels, safaris, and guided walks, hoping to spot one of these magnificent creatures. But as rhinos leave the park and head into town, the line between “wildlife experience” and “wildlife emergency” is blurring. Authorities are now facing a tough task: protect the rhinos, keep people safe, and ensure tourism remains sustainable.
A Future That Depends on Balance
Indian One Horned Rhino at Kaziranga National Park Assam India.
Nepal’s rhino success is a story of hope, but it’s also a lesson in balance. Conservation doesn’t end when numbers go up—it continues in how we manage space, safety, and coexistence. For now, the people of Chitwan are learning to live with their enormous neighbors—sometimes in fear, sometimes in awe. The rhinos have returned. Now it’s up to everyone to figure out how to live side by side.
Author at Animals Around The Globe. BSc Biodiversity & Ecology
I spent my childhood in Scotland. In 2014, my family and I traveled around the world for 5 months, and ever since, I have had a passion for nature, adventuring, photography and videography. I am currently working towards a BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology at Stellenbosch University to go on to specialise in Marine Sciences one day.
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