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A NEW RELEASE DATE, ADAPTING TO THE WILD AND MORE MUD BATH!
A New Release Date, Adapting to the Wild and More Mud Bath!
February 25, 2010
Important Notice ~ The release date of Najin, Fatu, Sudan & Suni has been postponed from March 25th until the first week of April 2010. We will keep you posted on the new date as soon as we have additional information.
Rhino Update
Since last week’s update, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy has seen more rain and thunderstorms, bringing with it the usual delight and excitement from our four northern white rhinos! They continue to charge around and wallow in the mud in their bomas and in their new larger camp.
Their skin is in great condition with these daily baths but the boma staff have noticed the animals are starting to pick up a few ticks, so they are keeping a good eye on them. Once caught, they identify them to check the species to ensure they are not disease carriers. The rhinos will of course be exposed to ticks and other mites once they are released into the final breeding area so this gradual introduction in a monitored situation can only help.
As well as examining the rhino’s skin condition, Berry, Mohammed and the rest of the boma staff take samples every three days of the females dung to help observe oestrogen patterns. These are sent to Vienna for analysis.
Adapting to the Wild
With construction work for the new fence well underway, the rhinos have been curiously watching the new activity going on at the top end of their camp. Najin and Fatu, in particular, have become a little coy when the workers are about, choosing to spend more time in the thicker bush in the lower half of the area.
Their reactions to new sounds and sights are changing daily. Where they were used to the zoo noises they encountered regularly, they have become more alert and sensitive with the change in surroundings. It is clear and so positive to see, they are starting to get their wild instincts back; every new sound is interesting and every new change in situation increases their awareness.
A Good Week for the Boys
Sudan has been the most relaxed with the extra activity of the fence in progress, he has been up to the grazing grass at the top of camp, keeping a careful watch over the logistics team while he enjoys his time out.
Suni has also enjoyed some good sessions out exploring and although not as bold as Sudan yet, he has not had any set backs to his confidence so it only grows.
The rhinos are currently still being brought in for the night, so as not to run the risk of one of the resident bulls potentially coming through the fence to them at night. This will change in March when we plan to move the resident bulls from the area to increase safety and security of our northern whites.
February 25, 2010
Important Notice ~ The release date of Najin, Fatu, Sudan & Suni has been postponed from March 25th until the first week of April 2010. We will keep you posted on the new date as soon as we have additional information.
Rhino Update
Since last week’s update, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy has seen more rain and thunderstorms, bringing with it the usual delight and excitement from our four northern white rhinos! They continue to charge around and wallow in the mud in their bomas and in their new larger camp.
Their skin is in great condition with these daily baths but the boma staff have noticed the animals are starting to pick up a few ticks, so they are keeping a good eye on them. Once caught, they identify them to check the species to ensure they are not disease carriers. The rhinos will of course be exposed to ticks and other mites once they are released into the final breeding area so this gradual introduction in a monitored situation can only help.
As well as examining the rhino’s skin condition, Berry, Mohammed and the rest of the boma staff take samples every three days of the females dung to help observe oestrogen patterns. These are sent to Vienna for analysis.
Adapting to the Wild
With construction work for the new fence well underway, the rhinos have been curiously watching the new activity going on at the top end of their camp. Najin and Fatu, in particular, have become a little coy when the workers are about, choosing to spend more time in the thicker bush in the lower half of the area.
Their reactions to new sounds and sights are changing daily. Where they were used to the zoo noises they encountered regularly, they have become more alert and sensitive with the change in surroundings. It is clear and so positive to see, they are starting to get their wild instincts back; every new sound is interesting and every new change in situation increases their awareness.
A Good Week for the Boys
Sudan has been the most relaxed with the extra activity of the fence in progress, he has been up to the grazing grass at the top of camp, keeping a careful watch over the logistics team while he enjoys his time out.
Suni has also enjoyed some good sessions out exploring and although not as bold as Sudan yet, he has not had any set backs to his confidence so it only grows.
The rhinos are currently still being brought in for the night, so as not to run the risk of one of the resident bulls potentially coming through the fence to them at night. This will change in March when we plan to move the resident bulls from the area to increase safety and security of our northern whites.
