THREE White Rhino orphans were released into their new home in iSimangaliso Wetland Park last Monday.
The rhinos are survivors after their mothers were poached in various other KwaZulu-Natal game reserves.
The one male and two females are estimated to be five years old and have formed a close bond while being cared for by dedicated Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff.
iSimangaliso CEO Andrew Zaloumis said, ‘We are very pleased that we can offer these three orphans a new home and brighter future. As a Park undertaking major ecosystems restoration, iSimangaliso offers an ideal habitat for them.
‘The reintroduction of historically occurring species is a critical part of this.
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Despite the severe drought in KZN, there are parts of iSimangaliso that have received decent rainfall, providing good grass, water and a softer, friendlier refuge for the orphans.
Zaloumis said iSimangaliso has a long-term conservation partnership with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, who is doing an excellent job rehabilitating rhino orphans.
‘We thank them and the Peace Parks organisation that funded the costs of this relocation.’
‘Rewilding’ programme
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site has undertaken an extensive ‘rewilding’ programme over the past 15 years.
The ongoing rehabilitation of the habitat has enabled the reintroduction of all historically occurring species into the park, including lion, wild dog, cheetah, oribi, tsessebe, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, Black and White Rhino.
The only antelope still to be reintroduced is the eland.
The drought placed the planned relocation of eland on hold, but now that vegetation has improved, eland are now being sourced for introduction.
This last historic step will complete the process.
‘The restocking, management and monitoring of many of our rare and endangered species is primarily supported by participants in our Eco-Series events, such as the iSimangaliso MTB four-day bike ride in August each year,’ said Zaloumis.
‘This ‘safari from the saddle’ is the largest contributor to the parks’ rare and endangered species fund.’
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