Kenya to investigate rhino deaths

Kenya's Tourism Minister Najib Balala has said "disciplinary action will definitely be taken" if it is found that rangers acted unprofessionally while handling eight endangered black rhinos that died while being moved.

As we reported earlier, the animals were among 14 rhinos being translocated from two national parks to the Tsavo National Park, the country's largest park.

The three-week programme was being undertaken by the Kenya Wildlife Service and WWF.

Mr Balala also ordered the immediate suspension of the relocation programme and said that a full report would be available next week, a ministry statement said.

Prominent Kenyan conservationist Paula Kahumbu said officials must take responsibility and explain what went wrong, and quickly.

"Rhinos have died, we have to say it openly when it happens, not a week later or a month later," she said. "Something must have gone wrong, and we want to know what it is."