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AN UPDATE FROM THE OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY
An Update from the Ol Pejeta Conservancy
January 26, 2010
After the dehorning and placement of transmitters, which took place on December 31st, all four animals – Sudan, Suni, Najin and Fatu – are now spending time outside their bomas. This is the first critical step to being reintroduced to the two separate 600-acre breeding areas.
Training
The animals are currently being trained to respect the electric fences which surround them and keep them safe – a slow but essential process. Sadly, each animal has been shocked a few times before they realized their new boundaries. This training will continue for another two weeks, after which the interim fence will be dropped and the animals will have access to the 400m x 400 m fenced area.
There is currently no interaction between males and females and between the two males. This separation will continue once they are introduced to the larger fenced area. We strongly feel that although the animals were interacting on a daily basis at the Zoo, they should be kept apart until they are introduced to the breeding area. As much as all of us would like to see males and females together, we all know it’s a slow and calculated process which cannot be rushed. Berry White and the Ol Pejeta staff are now in charge of moving this phase of the project forward and to get the animals ready.
A Sad Goodbye
The two Czech keepers, who have worked with these rhinos for over 20 years, recently left the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and returned home. They had been with the animals for over a month, assisting the Ol Pejeta staff with the transition. While they were both happy to see the animals back in Africa, looking healthy and their species standing a chance at survival, it was an extremely difficult and emotional time for them, leaving behind animals that they have cared for and loved all their lives.
Behaviour
There have been significant changes in the animal’s behaviour since their arrival on the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. They appear to be much more alert and aware of their surroundings. Their skin condition has hugely improved. Suni is still slightly nervous but his confidence is improving daily, thank to the work of Berry and the Ol Pejeta staff who are with him 24 hours a day.
Fatu and Nijan are more than ready to take steps into the next enclosure. It has been especially encouraging to see how much more relaxed Fatu is. She is more confident now and doesn’t follow her mum around as much.
Sudan is also looking more comfortable with his new surroundings. He is getting loads of exercise – exploring, going outside of his boma and wallowing in his muddy swamp. It is encouraging to see he has been very vocal with the girls, Fatu and Nijan, and that there has been no aggression between any of them this week.
Suni is still slightly nervous, but his confidence is improving, thanks to the hard work of Beryy White and the Ol Pejeta staff
January 26, 2010
After the dehorning and placement of transmitters, which took place on December 31st, all four animals – Sudan, Suni, Najin and Fatu – are now spending time outside their bomas. This is the first critical step to being reintroduced to the two separate 600-acre breeding areas.
Training
The animals are currently being trained to respect the electric fences which surround them and keep them safe – a slow but essential process. Sadly, each animal has been shocked a few times before they realized their new boundaries. This training will continue for another two weeks, after which the interim fence will be dropped and the animals will have access to the 400m x 400 m fenced area.
There is currently no interaction between males and females and between the two males. This separation will continue once they are introduced to the larger fenced area. We strongly feel that although the animals were interacting on a daily basis at the Zoo, they should be kept apart until they are introduced to the breeding area. As much as all of us would like to see males and females together, we all know it’s a slow and calculated process which cannot be rushed. Berry White and the Ol Pejeta staff are now in charge of moving this phase of the project forward and to get the animals ready.
A Sad Goodbye
The two Czech keepers, who have worked with these rhinos for over 20 years, recently left the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and returned home. They had been with the animals for over a month, assisting the Ol Pejeta staff with the transition. While they were both happy to see the animals back in Africa, looking healthy and their species standing a chance at survival, it was an extremely difficult and emotional time for them, leaving behind animals that they have cared for and loved all their lives.
Behaviour
There have been significant changes in the animal’s behaviour since their arrival on the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. They appear to be much more alert and aware of their surroundings. Their skin condition has hugely improved. Suni is still slightly nervous but his confidence is improving daily, thank to the work of Berry and the Ol Pejeta staff who are with him 24 hours a day.
Fatu and Nijan are more than ready to take steps into the next enclosure. It has been especially encouraging to see how much more relaxed Fatu is. She is more confident now and doesn’t follow her mum around as much.
Sudan is also looking more comfortable with his new surroundings. He is getting loads of exercise – exploring, going outside of his boma and wallowing in his muddy swamp. It is encouraging to see he has been very vocal with the girls, Fatu and Nijan, and that there has been no aggression between any of them this week.
Suni is still slightly nervous, but his confidence is improving, thanks to the hard work of Beryy White and the Ol Pejeta staff
