By Lente Roode | Project Leader
This report is one we love to write because it brings to fruition all that we aim to accomplish when it comes to rhino rescue and rehabilitation – the eventual release back into the wild of these amazing animals.
The time had come for Lula and Khulula; the two female rhinos at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC); to be released. A suitable reserve had been located, and the plans were put in place. When it comes to selecting the right place for the release of a rhino, many factors are taken into consideration. These include the size of the land, the existing rhino population, the presence of predators, as well as whether there is adequate security on the reserve.
The process to relocate Lula and Khulula began with a horn trimming for each of them, which took place at HESC. The reserve where they were being released has other rhinos with horns that have been trimmed. As such, the same needed to be done for the two ladies.
After their horns were trimmed, they were loaded onto trailers to begin their journey to their new home. Once they had arrived, they were placed into a smaller area on the reserve to ensure that they got used to their new environment. They were also still given lucerne and teff feeds to ensure that they received adequate nutrition.
Lula and Khulula soon made friends with another male rhino called Ubuntu, who was also a rescued rhino orphan now released along with them.
We are pleased to report that they have all since been released onto the wider reserve and all is going well with them.
Please continue to support our remaining adult rhino Esmé. She is currently being a superb surrogate mother to all the rhino calves, and she herself still needs to be kept safe, well fed, and taken care of medically should the need arise. In addition, if other rescued adult rhinos should arrive at HESC, they would also be included in this project.
We would like to thank each of you who regularly contribute towards this project. Your generosity has ensured that we can continue to look after all these rhinos and release them back into the wild where they belong when the time is right.
By Lente Roode | Project Leader
By Lente Roode | Project Leader
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