Leofoo Launches “International Rhino Diplomacy Initiative” – Taiwan’s Largest-Ever Export of Near-Threatened Species

(中央社財經訊息服務20251003 14:03:48)Leofoo Safari Park × Korea’s Everland Zoo Form Sister-Park Alliance
Due to rampant poaching and shrinking habitats, global rhino populations have sharply declined. According to the latest statistics from the International Rhino Foundation, the global rhino population decreased by 1,290 individuals in 2024 compared to the previous year. Among them, the Southern White Rhino showed the sharp decline, dropping by over 11% annually — the greatest loss among all rhino subspecies.

Leofoo Tourism Group has long been dedicated to endangered species conservation and international collaboration. Leofoo Safari Park holds the leading record in Taiwan for rhino breeding and is recognized as a benchmark zoo internationally.

On October 1, Leofoo Tourism Group President, Jerome Lai, announced the launch of the “International Rhino Diplomacy Initiative”, sharing the Group’s internationally acclaimed achievements and expertise in rhino breeding and conservation with the world. The program focuses on three key areas:

• Genetic Enrichment: Expanding the rhino gene pool through international exchanges to enhance genetic diversity.
• Strengthening Global Veterinary Capacity: Promoting talent exchanges to advance rhino healthcare and husbandry skills.
• Enhancing Welfare of Endangered Species: Upgrading animal care knowledge and habitats to ensure rhinos live in environments that closely resemble their natural habitats.

President Lai emphasized that the medical care and conservation of large wildlife require specialized expertise and extensive experience. Leofoo Safari Park is among the few zoos worldwide with capabilities in rhino breeding, veterinary care, and animal export. It remains the only zoo in Taiwan with successful rhino exports on record. In recent years, Leofoo has actively organized international wildlife conservation workshops, participated in global organizations, and promoted cross-border collaborations.

Countries such as Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and various European and American nations have expressed interest in working with Leofoo. Looking forward, Leofoo aims to build a global rhino conservation network through multinational initiatives.
Following the signing of an MOU on International Conservation of Endangered Species in July 2025 with Everland, South Korea’s largest theme park, the partnership has now taken a significant step forward. Leofoo Safari Park General Manager, Calvin Yeh and Everland Zoo Director, Jung Dong-Hee signed a Sister-Park Agreement, jointly announcing the launch of the International Rhino Diplomacy Initiative. By the end of next year, rhinos will be sent to South Korea to promote genetic diversity, establishing a new model of international animal exchange, medical cooperation, and professional training.

Unlike the six-year-old female rhino Emma, who was sent to Japan in 2021, this time Leofoo will export rhinos in their prime breeding age, with hopes of early breeding success in Korea. In terms of numbers, body size, and weight, this export will mark the largest-scale export of near-threatened animals in Taiwan’s history - a major challenge for both teams. To prepare, Everland dispatched veterinarians and animal care specialists to Taiwan this September, while Leofoo Safari Park has been making thorough preparations to ensure success.

Leofoo continues to build a global conservation network, joining the Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums Association (SEAZA), which has about 70 member institutions worldwide. Leofoo Safari Park has also signed sister-park agreements with Everland (Korea), Tobu Zoo (Japan), as well as Taiwan’s Hsinchu Zoo and Shoushan Zoo. Through such collaborations, Leofoo promotes genetic diversity and the sustainable development of global animal populations.

Previously, Leofoo was invited to present research at the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV), earning international recognition. For two these years, Leofoo has also organized international professional workshops, inviting world-class experts and attracting over 100 professionals from more than 10 countries. As global environmental challenges increase, wildlife conservation is more urgent than ever. Leofoo remains committed to collaborating with global partners and experts to ensure the survival of wildlife species.