If you are an avid follower of Peace Parks TV, you will know that a little rhino calf was excitingly welcomed into the world a few months ago. This took place after a recent translocation that saw 19 near-threatened white rhinos moved from a reserve in South Africa to Zinave National Park in Mozambique. This historic event marked the first time a rhino was born in Zinave National Park in over four decades!
While on an early morning patrol, some of Zinave’s rangers caught sight of the mom and her rhino calf happily trotting down the road, looking as healthy as ever – a promising sign for this iconic species!
The recent translocation was a collaboration between Exxaro Resources, Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) and Peace Parks Foundation in an effort to aid the long-term survival of this near-threatened species. Unfortunately, both populations of the white and black rhino species are under severe threat due to the relentless persecution of these animals throughout Africa. They are poached for their horns which are made up almost entirely of keratin, the very same protein that makes up human hair and fingernails. The horn is then either ground up to be used in traditional medicine, made into jewellery, or used as a status symbol to display success and wealth throughout Southeast Asia.
Luckily, because of an intensive specialised ranger training programme led by the Southern African Wildlife College and Peace Parks’ Counter-Poaching Unit Coordinator in Zinave, Tiaan Kleynhans, this protected area now provides a safe refuge for this species.
What was once referred to as a ‘silent park’ due to there being no signs of wildlife, birds or even insects, Zinave has now undergone a remarkable transformation over the last. The birth of this baby rhino marks yet another milestone in this incredible park’s history, and we cannot wait to see how it continues to transform.
