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Leuthold (1977) records several such instances of unsuccessful
mammalian translocation, which he attempts to explain in terms of
behavioural characteristics (lack of social cohesion, lack of
familiarity with home range, etc.). It is possible, however, that
genetic factors played a part. The cases recorded by Leuthold are: some
Uganda kob translocated from western Kenya to the Mara Game Reserve
around 1963 have not been recorded recently; a number of giraffe moved
from western to north-central Kenya in 1967/8 dispersed and are now
unaccounted for; some 35 roan antelope taken to the Shimba Hills Reserve
in 1969 decreased by 1974 to 12 and now lead a 'very tenuous existence';
the latter also applies to some Hunter's hartebeest and Grevy's zebras
introduced into Tsavo National Park in 1963. Disappointments such as
these should be more often recorded in print but when it comes to
failures, human nature is an effective censor.

It is pleasing to record that the latest Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyz)
'rescue' operation in Kenya has been severely criticized (Reader 1979).
The translocation to Tsavo, beyond their natural range, is
scientifically unjustifiable, and has been attended by extensive
mortality. The professional game-catcher, Don Hunt, is quoted as
saying that there was not time for the scientific evaluation of the
translocation - 'We don't need scientists to tell us that zebras eat
grass.' (Reader op. cit.).