Black rhino introduction – Playing Cupid
iSimangaliso Wetland Park’s Eastern Shores section has received a boost to its existing black rhino (diceros bicornis) population with the recent introduction of a young pair. Both were abandoned by their mothers under different circumstances, leading to them being removed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff with a view to re-homing them. The male, now about 4 years old, has been in a large boma in the company of a long-suffering goat for two years, enabling him to grow sufficiently large to fight his own battles when he seeks out his own territory. He originated from Mun-ya-Wana (Phinda) where his mother, harassed by a cantankerous male over turf wars, turned tail and left him and a sibling to their own devices. The younger sibling died but he continued to make good progress under the watchful eye of dedicated Ezemvelo staff at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi’s Game Capture Centre.
Goats make great companions for young rhinos..until the latter grow up and play becomes a bit rough!
Prior to his release into the wilds of iSimangaliso the male was moved to a boma in iSimangaliso to allow him to ‘acclimatise’ to different surroundings.
After a few weeks the male was darted and gently lifted out of the boma to be released into his new environment.
Fortuitously for him, during his waiting period in the iSimangaliso boma, a young female at Ithala Game Reserve was reported as similarly abandoned by a notoriously “bad mother”, known for her non-maternal tendencies. Although less than three years old, she was mature enough to survive independently and declared an ideal mate for the male, and a plan was made to set them on the course for a potential relationship.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Chief Veterinarian, Dr Dave Cooper and Wildlife Act’s Chris Kelly fitting a foot collar to the female black rhino. This will enable her movements to be tracked with data regularly uploaded to the computer monitoring system.
The female black rhino being let out of the crate.
According to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Chief Veterinarian, Dr Dave Cooper, “Black rhino are unfortunately their own worst enemies. They are highly intelligent, fiercely territorial, inquisitive and tend to attack first and ask questions later. Single males are a nightmare for us because they cannot be introduced into an existing population – that would be their death warrant. And of course, a lone male is not a happy chap either. iSimangaliso already has black rhino but has plenty of space and ideal habitat for more, and an area was chosen some distance from the known population in the hope that he would not encounter opposition in the near future.
With the attraction of a nubile young rhino-wench, we are holding thumbs that they will find each other to be good company and form their own new territory and perhaps start a family.”
The relocation went off without a hitch, and it seemed that Cupid was spot-on as their spoor confirmed that the two had met up. Lucky guests on two different concessionaire night drives unexpectedly encountered the animals the following night; however the female decided to do a bit of extra sightseeing, surprising park staff with her unexpected midnight grid crossing from the main Park into the Game Park section of iSimangaliso later that night, as well as iSimangaliso CEO Andrew Zaloumis on his early morning cycle (which he quipped afterwards “turned out to be a faster ride than usual!”). She was hastily re-caught by the Game Capture team and once again placed in the bosom of the Eastern Shores, with extra measures in place to deter a repeat escape.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Game Capture Officer-in-Charge, Dumisani Zwane, eases the female onto a truck to be taken back into the Eastern Shores after her nocturnal wanderings.
Due to the current wave of rhino poaching throughout South Africa, security in iSimangaliso is paramount with staff on full alert. Both rhinos have been fitted with foot collars, donated by Wildlife Act who undertake tracking and monitoring activities in iSimangaliso, and they are being closely observed to ensure their safety.
Andrew Zaloumis said, “We have an abundance of big game including buffalo, elephant, hippo, crocodile and rhino – some of the many attractions in this fantastic section of iSimangaliso. We welcome visitors to enjoy the experience and to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. If one is fortunate enough to encounter black rhino on a game drive, drivers should retreat and maintain a safe distance (at least 30m) as black rhino are rather fond of using cars as punching bags,” he said. He also gave thanks to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Game Capture team for their efficient and flawless relocation as well as their quick reaction to the brief “escape”.
Visitors are reminded to heed park rules and signage, and be aware that even in areas where it is permitted to exit vehicles, such as the viewing decks, picnic sites and hides, this is always at the visitor’s own risk.
For further information and pictures please contact iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Media Officer Siyabonga Mhlongo at siyabonga@iSimangaliso.com or 0716809792.
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