Second Baby Rhino Born Near Mossel Bay
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
The Garden Route Game Lodge near Mossel Bay has announced the birth of a second baby rhino in as many years.
“The baby was spotted on the game drive on the morning of Sunday the 13th of March, so it was probably born on Saturday the 12th, some time in the evening,” said the reserve’s owner, Anthony Doherty.
“Game ranger Arbri Olivier had sighted the rhinos and was busy explaining to the guests on his Land Rover how he suspected that the cow may be pregnant when to his surprise the calf showed itself!” he said.
“The inter-calving period is usually two and a half years and this cow gave birth to her first calf just over two years ago – hence our surprise.”
It’s also quite unusual to be able to see the calf at such a young age. “New mothers normally retreat with their calves into the thicket, emerging into the grasslands only in the cool of the day to graze,” said Mr. Doherty
Rhino sightings are a regular occurrence on the Reserve, which offers game drives to both resident guests and day visitors. Other wildlife on the Reserve includes lion, elephants, buffalo, giraffe, cheetah and various antelope species, while a reptile center and cheetah conservation center are particularly popular attractions.
Mr. Doherty said that the youngster – which hasn’t been named yet because staff on the Reserve don’t know whether it’s a bull or a calf – “Is a feisty little thing, a bit of a terrorist, constantly charging its mother’s legs and her horn.
“It’s suckling strongly, and appears to be perfectly healthy.
“Also, the mother has now chased away the older calf – Roxy – so that she can concentrate on the baby, and Roxy is now walking and grazing with our bull.”
Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm said that the Reserve’s wildlife Manager, Hein Schoeman, has put an anti-poaching strategy in place under the guidance of local wildlife expert, author and owner of the Nature College, Johan Fourie.
She congratulated the Garden Route Game Lodge on the arrival of the new addition.
“Situated as it in the fynbos and between the mountains and the sea, Mossel Bay offers a very unusual mix of African wilderness experiences, as the birth of this baby rhino perfectly illustrates.
“We wish him or her a long and healthy life in the pristine environment of the Reserve.”
A short video of the calf has been loaded to YouTube – go here - or to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwivCcZyx_8
More information:
- Garden Route Game Lodge www.grgamelodge.co.za
- Mossel Bay www.visitmosselbay.co.za
ENDS
Mossel Bay Tourism News Flash
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