Four orphaned black rhino released back into the wild Posted by Tsoku Maela on 19 October 2022 Tags:Black rhino, rhino conservation, rhino poaching Four orphaned black rhinos were released back into the wild after six years in captivity under the care of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Picture: Seyms Brugger/ BRREP The rhino were relocated to their new home, Babanango Game Reserve, by the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, a partnership between Ezemvelo and WWF. Wildlife poaching has been on the rise over the past few years, and efforts have been made to find alternative solutions to the issue. Black rhinos are among a few other species listed as ‘critically endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species, so the release of the animals to establish a new population in South Africa is good news. ‘It is a big responsibility and a privilege at the same time for Babanango Game Reserve to be part of conserving these iconic species,’ says Musa Mbatha, Conservation Manager at Babanango Game Reserve. Seyms Brugger – Babanango Game Reserve The individuals were orphaned as young calves in separate incidents as a result of poaching and other factors left them abandoned between the ages of 2 months and 1 year old. They were rescued and placed into the boma facilities run by the provincial authority, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife where they received 24-hour care and feeding from members of the game capture team. The establishment and rewilding of Babanango Game Reserve is one of the largest conservation projects of its kind in KwaZulu-Natal over the last 30 years, and the reintroduction of rhino adds an iconic species to the tourism product offering for the reserve, which may drive local economic development. More importantly, it could see an improvement in the conservation of black rhinos in the coming years. ALSO READ: KZN man dies during the Otter Trail Run Challenge Related Posts Cape Town’s sustainability: Leading the way in environmental initiatives 1 June 2023 As National Environmental Month commences in South Africa, Cape Town stands proudly at the forefront... read more Kapama to host Safari Guide of the Year Awards 2023 1 June 2023 Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit will host this year’s Safari Guide of the Year... read more Blood Lions relaunches for public viewing on YouTube 1 June 2023 Award-winning documentary feature film Blood Lions has been relaunched on YouTube for public viewing, creating... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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