photo: Andrew Batchelor
Arguably one of the most awkward breeding pairs in all of nature…females reach sexual maturity at 3-4 years of age, and males not until 7 years.
If it’s a successful coupling, 15 months later a new baby rhino will make his way into the world!
With the recent tragedy at Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage, the staff are doing their best to heal and pick up the pieces. There has been an outpouring of donations and support. Now we must be sure that justice is served. Please sign the following petition.
Justice for Thula Thula Rhino Calves
Even the outright horror of this recent attack hasn’t effected the South African governments intent to allow trade.
Although CITES is against it, evidence does not support it, and their so-called “legal” trade will only serve to fuel and mask the already illegal trade, Edna Molewa and the government are planning on going forward. Please sign this petition from the International Humane Society and voice your concern. This MUST not go forward!
Urge South Africa NOT to Trade in Rhino Horn
Thandi’s a mama (again)-watch the video
First glimpses of mama and baby from Ranger Daniel @ Kariega.
Read about Thandi’s Story and about her first baby, Thembi, It’s Official, Thandi’s a mum!
This video is three years old. Ntombi’s not so little anymore, but this bit of footage still serves as my reminder of what we fight so hard for, and as medicine to settle my often broken heart.
The baby southern white rhino was abandoned by mom and found by the Ol Pejeta team when he was only 2 weeks old. Very sick and barely alive, he has made an amazing recovery with the help of caretakers.
Named Ringo, after rhino advocate Ringo Starr, he has been introduced to Sudan, the last male northern white rhino on the planet. The two make quite the pair. Click below to watch more:
Photo By: Camilla Le May Photography
One of the most unique and endangered rhino species is the Sumatran. These hairy beasts are lesser in size than the rest of the rhinos, and in numbers. With only about 100 known individuals left, they seem to be on the fast track to extinction.
Yet, there is a glimmer of hope.
With such critically low numbers, every birth is a big deal. When it comes to mothers, the Sumatran Ratu is a star. Living in the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS) in Indonesia she gave birth in 2012, and is now expecting a second baby due in May.
Ratu’s first calf, Andatu; photo: International Rhino Foundation
This coincides with the recent return of Harapan, formerly from the Cincinnati Zoo, to the wild. In late 2015 he made the epic journey across the globe to the SRS, with the goal of eventually doing his part in perpetuating the species.
Harapan, happy and healthy in his Indonesian home. Photo: Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary
But perhaps what tops it all is this week’s discovery of 15 previously unknown individual Sumatrans.
In response to this news, the Indonesian government is quickly converting a former gold mine into a sanctuary for them. With hopes to safely transfer them, they will be guarded by a rhino protection unit just like the ones in place at the SRS, which have successfully staved off poaching for more than 7 years.
Rhino Protection Units are comprised of trained 4 man teams. Photo: International Rhino Foundation
From Kariega Game Reserve: This morning at 8:50am Thandi gave birth to a calf! The birth was witnessed by two Kariega rangers and shortly afterwards; wildlife veterinarian Dr William Fowlds observed the mother and her calf from a distance. He confirmed that both are doing well. More details and photos to come in the days ahead 🙂
