Thousands of white rhinos have been killed in Africa over the years, causing their population to dwindle to concerning levels.

There are only around 20,000 remaining in the wild and if current trends continue then they could be extinct in Africa by 2024, according to the Australian Rhino Project.

But efforts are underway to preserve these incredible animals by giving them a home away from home.

Credit: PA

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Channel 7 reports The Australian Rhino Project has teamed up with Thaba Manzi Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa to export a group of 35 rhinos to South Australia to ensure their species survives.

Rhino Project Chairman Allan Davies said in a statement: "We are delighted to have signed this agreement with Thaba Manzi to select and quarantine rhinos for the Australian Rhino Project.

"We have worked for many years to carefully select a partner who demonstrated exceptional care for rhinos and who focused on helping protect rhinos for future generations.

Credit: PA

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"The Thaba Manzi team have decades of experience in the conservation and management of wildlife, especially rhinos and have worked with many well-respected organisations in the care and management of wildlife."

Thaba Manzi founder and director Hans Kooyadded: "Over the past few years, we have spent time getting to know the team from the Australian Rhino Project and are now very pleased to be working directly with them on this ambitious project.

"As the situation in South Africa with regards to rhino poaching continues to worsen, we believe that creating insurance populations around the world are critical to ensure the survival of the species."

People all around the world have raise more than $600,000 to help build the facility that the rhinos would be housed in.

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Credit: PA

Now the tricky process of getting them through quarantine begins.

They'll have to be held in New Zealand for a 'period of time' after making the long journey from South Africa. Once they get the green light from Aussie officials, they'll be able to live out the rest of their lives Down Under.

It'll be at least another year before they're able to come to our shores and until then, the Australian Rhino Project is hoping to raise a further $1.4 million to pay for flights, quarantine costs, animal husbandry, veterinarian costs and transport expenses.

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