The month of December is popularly known for Christmas celebrations, a festive season when Jesus was born, and to be specific 25th Dec! At Ziwa Rhino sanctuary however, Christmas came as early as 10th December when a rhino baby child was born. Uhuru, the proud mum to the new baby gave birth and added to the number of Rhinos at the sanctuary to 33. This is a great achievement and credit goes to Rhino fund Uganda, all partners, funders and general conservation world who have played the leading role in ensuring conservation of Rhinos in the country.
The mother’s name Uhuru is has got strong history and meaning! “Uhuru” is a Swahili word meaning freedom we are positive it brings along real freedom for Uganda’s Rhinos to live and thrive.
According to World Wildlife Fund, at the beginning of the 20th century, 500,000 rhinos roamed around Africa and Asia. By 1970, rhino numbers had dropped to 70,000, and today, around 27,000 rhinos remain in the wild. Very few rhinos survive outside National parks and reserves due to the persistent poaching and habitat loss. The birth of a new calf anywhere in the world is always a reason for celebration.
Adventure Consults’ also learnt that the newest baby Rhino in the country has already been given a name – Ruparelia. In a bid to fundraise money for the sanctuary and also encourage everyone to be involved in Rhino conservation, Rhino naming is left to the community around the world right from the local communities, conservationists and business community. The new baby at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary was named after the Ruparelia Foundation. The family owned Ruperelia group of companies have invested heavily in different sectors of Uganda’s economy including tourism. The family has got passion for conservation and have occasionally funded a number of conservation projects. Rajiv Ruparelia, the managing Director at Ruperelia group revealed that the Foundation paid 5,000 USD to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to acquire naming rights for the baby Rhino.
It’s not an everyday kind of experience to walk with Baby Rhinos, so you can plan to part of the next adventure – Rhino walk! The drive from Uganda’s Entebbe to the sanctuary takes about 3 to 4 hours or even less depending on traffic flow. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was created to re-introduce Rhinos to Uganda after their extinction in 1982. Presently, the sanctuary is home to thirty three (33) Southern white rhinos including Uhuru’s new calf. The place is popular for rhino trekking, Bird watching, nature walks and absolute relaxation. Adventure Consults offers boat rides and bushwalks which can be enjoyed if you spend a night or two at the sanctuary. Anyone with limited time or an extra day (before or after your main trip), a day’s excursion is perfect! Get in touch – sales@adventureconsults.com