Black rhinos, solitary animals?

The African savannahs, with its grasslands and majestic wildlife, have long captivated our imaginations. Among the iconic inhabitants of this vast landscape, the black rhino stands as a symbol of resilience and mystery. These enigmatic creatures, often portrayed as solitary wanderers, have recently revealed surprising facets of their social behavior. Are they truly destined to walk alone, or do they harbor secret social lives?

For years, we’ve been told that black rhinos are loners, emerging from their solitary existence only for mating or when nurturing a calf under three years old. In contrast to their white rhino counterparts have been observed forming social bonds, even exhibiting crashes—a term used to describe their close-knit interactions. But how accurate is this narrative?

In the age of social media, advanced technology, and heightened wildlife observation, our understanding of animal behavior is evolving. Professional guides leading safari tours now share intriguing anecdotes: black rhinos forming unexpected alliances, calves lingering longer than expected, and glimpses of social dynamics that defy convention.

Picture this: a group of black rhinos, their massive forms silhouetted against the African sunset, grazing together. It’s a scene that challenges the traditional perception of these solitary giants. Camera traps, strategically placed to capture candid moments, have unveiled a different side of black rhino behavior—one that occurs when they’re not on edge, aware of human presence.

So, how sociable are black rhinos really? The answer lies in the delicate balance between their innate tendencies and external pressures. While adult females occasionally share overlapping ranges, bulls remain steadfastly solitary. Yet, intriguingly, mothers and their calves exhibit a bond that defies the stereotype of aloofness.

The question that needs to be explored is whether the poaching crisis is affecting their behavior, or if we have been oversimplifying their social structure for longer than that. Due to their lifestyle, they will inevitably spend more time in thickets and areas where it is less easy to observe them. It makes sense that the territorial bulls would have been the individuals more likely to be observed regularly. Could it be that observations of the bulls’ behavior were prematurely assumed to apply to the species as a whole?

As conservation efforts intensify, we remain hopeful. Perhaps, in the not-so-distant future, we’ll unravel the intricacies of black rhino social lives. Until then, we watch, learn, and marvel at these magnificent creatures—destined, it seems, to walk a path both solitary and communal.

Stay tuned for more revelations from the heart of the African wilderness. 

Empower through education: 3rd Kuru expedition

From March 21st to 23rd, 2024, the third Koru Camp of our educational initiative took place in the hart of the bushveld - a time that was not only significant for the children but also for us as an organization. For the first time, thanks to the generous support of our donors, we were able to grant access to the Koru Camp to 12 children, two more than before. This group consisted of 6 boys and 6 girls from the 5th grade of Ndabeni Higher Primary School.

During the 4 safaris, the children had the opportunity to experience numerous animals up close, including lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, antelopes, crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of birds of prey. For more than half of the children, it was their first time going on safari and seeing the animals, which live just a few kilometres from their community, in the wild.

Rhino Revolution advocates for connecting children early with their natural heritage. Due to educational deficiencies, mobility restrictions, and poverty, these children would not be able to learn about their environment and its inhabitants and experience them up close without proper educational intervention.

In addition to the safaris, our educators taught about the Big 5 (elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion, leopard). The curriculum aims not only to impart knowledge but especially to teach important life skills. In the small group of only 12 children, each child has the opportunity to improve their personal English skills in reading, writing, and speaking, and to work on their teamwork skills.

We also integrate meaningful team games between the lessons, aiming to help the children better understand the importance of good communication, attentive listening, and perseverance. These games not only promote the social skills of the children but also help them apply the concepts learned in practical situations.

Rhino Revolution is committed to promoting education for sustainable development. We believe that imparting knowledge about environmental issues and fostering environmental awareness and responsibility are crucial to creating a sustainable future. Through our programs, we aim to empower children to become active citizens who advocate for the protection of their environment and bring about positive changes in their communities.

We are grateful that the Koru Camp was made possible through the financial support of Rewe Ettner. Only through such crucial donations can we address a transformative educational initiative.

Relocation of Rhino Bull #34

On March 15, 2024, Rhino Revolution carried out a big operation, we have successfully translocated a mature white rhinoceros. This rhinoceros, a male specimen, has played an important role in the breeding project over the past years.

In the territory of the rhino, there are now several young females, offspring of the mentioned rhino, which will soon reach sexual maturity. To prevent any possible inbreeding, the translocation of this rhino bull was essential. The translocation went smoothly, however, we will greatly miss the rhino, known as #34, which has lived in this reserve since birth and has now reached an age of approximately 13-14 years.

#34 was the dominant bull in its territory. Through its translocation, the young bulls raised by us in the orphanage now have the opportunity to take over its territory and mate with the females, thereby keeping the gene pool healthy.

We would like to express our gratitude to our generous guest who each contributed R5000.00 to cover the costs. Furthermore, we would like to thank all the individuals involved such as veterinarians and pilots, whom have all played big roles in making it a smooth project.

Special thanks also go to Painteddog.tv for the live broadcast of the translocation, which enabled a wider audience to follow this significant step in species conservation.

The successful translocation of this rhino is a significant step in the efforts to protect and preserve endangered species. Rhino Revolution remains committed to advocating for the preservation of rhino populations and conserving these valuable animals for future generations.

Our first Koru camp for 2024

Our first Koru Camp 2024 was a complete success! From the 15th to 17th February 2024, we invited ten children from our educational initiative from the community to a three-day camping adventure in Great Kruger region. The aim of this special camp was not only to give the children access to the fascinating wildlife of Africa, but also to offer sustainable education in the eco classroom.

In 2024, a total of 100 children in ten camps will have the opportunity to take part in this unique educational programme. The focus is on promoting education for sustainable development, in which children learn not only about the beauty of nature, but also how to use it responsibly.

The challenges of our first camp were primarily characterized by the intense heat. At almost 40 degrees Celsius, the Rhino Revolution team made sure that the children had enough to drink and were in the shade. Activities were cleverly scheduled early and late in the day to avoid the hot midday sun.

What did the children learn in these three days? Anne Nusch, who visited us from Germany and works as an education coordinator, developed a special teaching concept for the Koru Camps 2024 together with Andreas Nusch CEO of Rhino Revolution Europe. The unique environment in the middle of the Kruger National Park was ideal for teaching the children the "Big 5" (elephant , rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard).

At the camp, the children not only had the opportunity to deepen their reading skills in English, but also to summarize the knowledge they had read in a “buddy book”. As an organization, it is important to us to teach children transferrable skills, especially how to handle knowledge and the ability to filter information.

The children were able to express their creativity through crafting activities. This time the task was to complete the face of one of the "Big 5" and show it in its natural environment. The children were able to work with different pens and natural materials such as leaves and grasses.

The small group enabled the children to develop freely in their environment. Through various activities, teamwork was strengthened and it became clear how important focus, team spirit and listening are in order to achieve common goals.

Our mission at Rhino Revolution is to not only protect endangered rhinos, but also to promote sustainable education. Koru Camp is a step in this direction and we look forward to supporting even more children in their development in the coming camps.

A big thank you to our generous donors from Germany! Koru Camp is our most sustainable educational activity for the children of South Africa and without your great support this would not have been financially possible. We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts because your donations helped us provide 10 children with an unforgettable and educational adventure in the Kruger National Park.

In total, Rhino Revolution Europe has provided €1070 for the realization of the first Koru Camp, which includes part of the transport costs, staff costs, accommodation costs, food costs, educational materials and much more. These costs for the first camp were generously covered by the following donors:

Volksbank BraWo (€500)

Steffen Wörner (€300)

Karim Yahiaoui (€98.15)

Rewe Ettner (150€)

Natascha Zacherle (€21.85)

Saving a rhino bull that ensnared himself

On Monday, February 12, 2024, Rhino Revolution received disturbing news that one of our rhinos was spotted with a noose around its neck. Our team immediately set out to check the situation. The affected rhino was #34, one of the dominate bulls.

Upon arrival, the situation was confirmed: the rhino had a several-meter-long  thick steel wire around its head that got tangled while running. The animal was spotted without a snare just the day before. It was obvious that the rhino could not free itself from the snare. A rescue team was immediately put together.

Due to the darkness, the rescue operation could not be carried out until the following day. We accompanied the rhino as long as possible to make the search easier.

A helicopter, a veterinarian and our ground team were needed for the rescue operation. Early on the morning of February 13, our team and Rhino Revolution Europe set out to locate the rhino. Thanks to the helicopter, the rhino was quickly located, and the vet successfully used the sedative.

The ground team removed the snare in less than 10 minutes, and Rhino #34 awoke quickly after receiving the antidote. Fortunately, the rhino did not suffer any injuries from the snare and we are relieved that we were notified of the incident in a timely manner.

A big thank you goes to our financial supporters from Germany, especially Vanessa, Patricia, Anni and Natascha, who responded to our appeal for donations. We would also like to thank Painteddog.tv, who accompanied the campaign and broadcast it live on YouTube, as well as for their financial support.

Another thank you goes to Gerry, the helicopter pilot, Piet, the veterinarian, and the entire ground team for their dedicated cooperation. The actual costs of the rescue operation will be determined and communicated transparently in the next few days.

Masingita's Second Calf

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Masingita's second calf, marking another significant milestone in our efforts to reintroduce rhinos to the wild. Witnessing the birth of Lesedi brought us immense joy, confirming that the rehabilitation process for the Lucky 5 has been successful. Chipoko and Mwezi paved the way, and now, with Masingita's new addition, we are pushing our boundaries to not only reintegrate rhinos but to actively contribute to the growth of the wild population.

Lesedi, the first calf, has begun her journey of independence as she is temporarily been pushed away by her mother. While this separation typically lasts a few weeks, rhino is unique and has their own timeline. Lesedi has found comfort in the company of Nkonzo, who has become her supportive big brother. Although there are moments when she ventures off alone, we've noticed a positive trend, and she is gradually spending more time with Nkonzo. To ensure her well-being, we will keep a close eye on her during this crucial period.

Reflecting on the past year, we are pleased to share that the wild rhino population has experienced its first increase in 12 years. This achievement is a beacon of hope after facing a severe rhino poaching crisis. While South Africa has unfortunately lost more rhinos than gained, we remain optimistic that, with the addition of our new calf and the collective efforts of all involved, we will witness a more substantial improvement in the wild rhino population across South Africa in the near future. Together, we can continue to safeguard this iconic species for generations to come.

Camera trap in conservation

Camera traps in conservation are among my favorite tools to use in the bush. They provide a deeper understanding of the activities unfolding in the wilderness, revealing hidden aspects that might have otherwise been missed.

My primary use for these camera traps is monitoring rhinos. They enable me to closely observe these magnificent creatures, ensuring their well-being and safety, without affecting their behaviour in any way. They also serve as a crucial tool in spotting potential threats, such as poachers, lurking in the bush.

One of the remarkable moments captured by these camera traps occurred in 2023 when a black rhino cow gave birth to a calf without anyone knowledge. The breakthrough came when a helicopter, that was part of a separate operation that we were running, spotted them from the air. After repositioning the cameras to the area where they had been seen, we successfully captured footage of the calf. Remarkably, we were even able to determine its gender as a bull at just four months old. Thanks to the camera traps, we could monitor the young one with minimal stress to both the mother and the calf, and the first in person sighting of the calf only occurred when he was 9 months old. Using camera traps gave us an additional 5 months of data about the calf and protection that we could offer.

Beyond rhinos, these camera traps have helped us to discover other elusive species moving around the area, including leopards, brown hyenas, and the more elusive pangolins—creatures that often go unnoticed by traditional observation methods.

I always set my camera traps to record video for two crucial reasons. First, it allows us to capture more details than a photo could, providing a comprehensive view of the wildlife. More importantly, it offers insights into wild behaviours that are not typically witnessed by observers in the field. When humans, conservationists, or scientists are present, animals tend to be on guard, even if they appear relaxed. Camera traps unveil a more natural state of behaviour when no one is around, offering a deeper understanding of their true nature. For instance, we’ve observed interactions between white and black rhinos that wouldn't have been possible with direct human presence.

As camera quality continues to improve, providing clearer footage, we are excited about the prospect of discovering even more about the intricate lives of wildlife in the future.

Stay tuned to see more as we share our camera trap highlights over the coming months

UBUNTU PROJECT - HORNTRIMMING & RELOCATION

On November 14, 2023, Rhino Revolution, in collaboration with its sister organization Rhino Revolution Europe, celebrated a momentous achievement that underscores the power of collective action in wildlife conservation. Together, we orchestrated the successful trimming and relocation of five white rhinos to a secure reserve, marking a significant step towards safeguarding these majestic creatures from the looming threat of poaching.

This monumental undertaking was made possible through the unwavering support of compassionate individuals, with a special mention to the Wendenburg family, whose generous donation of €4,913.65, alongside contributions from other dedicated supporters, directly fuelled the relocation effort. These funds serve as a beacon of hope for the rhinos, ensuring their safety in their new habitat for the next 18-24 months.

Rhino Revolution extends its deepest gratitude to all who rallied behind the cause during the fundraising campaign. Your involvement not only opened your hearts and wallets but also actively contributed to the protection of white rhinos. A heartfelt thank you is extended to those who played a crucial role in the rhinos' journey - from the meticulous horn trimming to the seamless relocation process.

This success story serves as a testament to the pivotal role community engagement plays in wildlife conservation. The collaborative efforts of the dedicated veterinarian, skilled helicopter pilot, professional relocation company, and the numerous volunteers exemplify the impact that can be achieved when individuals and organizations unite for a common cause.

In essence, the triumph of this initiative goes beyond the mere relocation of five endangered rhinos; it signifies a paradigm shift in our approach to conservation. By actively engaging communities and translating concern into tangible, on-the-ground actions, we prove that sustainable contributions to the protection of endangered species are within our grasp. Rhino Revolution invites everyone to take inspiration from this achievement and join hands in building a future where the world's wildlife not only survives but thrives.

SANTA SHOEBOX PROJECT

We are proud to have participated in the Santa Shoebox Project. We offered Seeds of Light NPO the use of our new office space to facilitate the preparation of gift boxes, and by lending a helping hand in this process. These boxes are thoughtfully curated to include essential sanitizing products, clothing, and something enjoyable for the children. They are slated for distribution to underprivileged children towards the end of November.

While we take immense pleasure in contributing to this noble cause, we also aspire to involve the students from Ndabeni Higher Primary School in our efforts. By doing so, we hope to extend the joy of receiving a gift to these children as well.

RED WINE RHINO AUCTION BY CAROLINE KAPPERS FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Between the majestic Table Mountain and the gentle waves of the ocean, high above the rooftops of Camps Bay, Andreas Nusch, the CEO of Rhino Revolution Europe, participated in an art exhibition by Caroline Kappers. This talented artist from Stellenbosch is distinguished not only by her exceptional art but also by her passionate commitment to wildlife conservation.

Caroline Kappers is known for her unconventional approach to art. She paints with red wine, creating unique artworks that engage the senses. However, she goes a step further by using her art for charitable purposes. She organizes auctions to raise donations for wildlife conservation and make a positive impact on the world.

On November 1, 2023, Andreas Nusch from our sister organization Rhino Revolution Europe, had the honour of representing Rhino Revolution, at Caroline's art exhibition. He had the opportunity to see the beautiful paintings for himself and speak about the important work of Rhino Revolution in South Africa before the start of the auction.

A very special painting was the highlight of this unique event – a red wine painting depicting a black rhinoceros. Caroline Kappers had photographed the rhino during one of her safaris and captured the impressive strength and beauty of this animal in her artwork. The composition and expression of the painting give it a unique appeal.

What made this exhibition even more special was not just the art itself but the purpose for which it was organized. The entire proceeds from the auction will be donated to Rhino Revolution South Africa. This generous gesture not only underscores Caroline's personal commitment to wildlife conservation but also her support for our mission.

Encounters and collaborations like these remind us that the protection of wildlife and our natural environment is a shared responsibility. Rhino Revolution tirelessly works to protect endangered rhinos and their habitat. With the generous support of people like Caroline Kappers, we can advance our mission and make a difference in the world.

Pit Track showcasing us their k9 dogs

We were fortunate to have Pit-Track demonstrate their highly-trained K9 dogs in action.

Pit-Track is an esteemed K9 anti-poaching company that operates throughout South Africa, dedicated to safeguarding wildlife in various parks and collaborating with authorities to prevent and apprehend wildlife smugglers.

They showcased their dogs' remarkable ability to detect illegal contraband concealed within bags, and also demonstrated how these dogs are instrumental in apprehending suspects. Additionally, they highlighted how the dogs provide essential protection to the rangers when suspects attempt to resist arrest.

Rhino Revolution extends its heartfelt appreciation to Pit-Track, not only for their informative presentation but also for their courageous commitment to risking their lives to protect our magnificent wildlife.

Lesedi's 2nd birthday

We take great pride in announcing that Lesedi has reached the milestone of her second year of life. Lesedi, the offspring of Masingitta, one of the Lucky 5, holds a special place in our conservation efforts.

Lesedi's birth represents a significant achievement, as she is the first rhino to be born from a fully rewilded rhino. This remarkable accomplishment underscores our commitment to not only preserving but also enhancing the wild rhino population. As she continues to thrive, her health and well-being remain robust. Notably, there have been occasions where she displayed remarkable courage, even defending herself against lion encounters.

Our commitment to monitoring Lesedi's progress remains steadfast, and we maintain a hopeful outlook for the emergence of more future generations of rewilded rhinos.

Defending the caveman - Fundraiser

Our fundraiser was a resounding success, and we owe our sincere gratitude to Monika for her impeccable organization and to Craig Jackson for his exceptional comedic talent in producing laughter.

The comedic performance of "Defending the Caveman," skillfully delivered by Craig, resonated tremendously with our audience. Furthermore, we were delighted to have the pleasure of enjoying delicious cuisine within the splendid setting graciously provided by Francine's Venue.

We successfully raised a substantial amount of funds, which will be dedicated to supporting our ongoing initiatives in community education and the preservation of rhinos.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who was involved with making last weekend's Fundraiser such a success! Events like these and the support that we receive through them makes our work possible and we couldn't be more grateful to everyone who got involved and to the Hoedspruit community for helping us to save rhinos!

A huge thank-you is owed to everyone of our sponsors and donors and of course to everyone to attended and made the event so much fun.

In particular thank-you to: 

Julies McInnes, Hoedspruit Optometrists , Buya-Buya Travel and Tours, Scallywags Puppy School and Dog Training, The Brewery, Pick n Pay Hoedspruit, Searching for Spots, Spar Hoedspruit, Sleepers Restaurant and Pub, Rhino Revolution Europe, Africology, GlenWood Vineyards, Kuku Interiors, Salon Monique, CVW Endless Beauty, Bahati Aesthetics, Yum Yum Factory, and of course the wonderful Francine's Venue.

Rhino Revolution Europe's Breeding Program

Rhino Revolution Europe kicks off their breeding program. They purchased two white rhino cows and relocated them to a private nature reserve in Limpopo.

These cows are roughly 2.5 years of age, which is too young for breeding. However, with favorable conditions and proper time to settle in, they should start breeding at the age of 4.5 to 5 years. The gestation period is about 16 months long, and a rhino generally gives birth to 1 rhino calf every 3 years. With all their efforts, we hope to see an increase in the white rhino population in South Africa

Leopard Talk - Searching for Spots

We extend our sincere gratitude to Owen Grobler for gracing our conservation talk as the keynote speaker. Owen adeptly delved into a discourse concerning the leopards within the Hoedspruit, Limpopo region. His presentation encompassed a comprehensive elucidation of their movement patterns, accompanied by an insightful exploration of the co-existent dynamics shared between humans and leopards.

The event garnered substantial participation, with an approximate attendance of 70 enthusiastic individuals. The occasion not only served as an enlightening platform but also as a means to contribute to our ongoing endeavors in support of Rhino Revolution. The funds raised during the event will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the habitats and environments essential to the survival of rhinos populations.

We express our heartfelt appreciation to Owen Grobler for his informative contribution, and to all attendees and supporters who rallied together to bolster our mission of preserving and nurturing the diverse wildlife within our cherished ecosystem.

Malaria - Conservation talk

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Steve Knowles from Goodbye Malaria for graciously accepting our invitation to be a speaker on the important subject of malaria. His extensive knowledge and expertise enlightened us about the genuine risks associated with malaria, its mode of transmission, and effective preventive measures. Moreover, this insightful conversation not only broadened our understanding but also aided us in raising funds to support the conservation efforts for protecting rhinos. Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming conservation talks.

Horn Trimming of the Lucky 5 - 2023

On June 28th and 29th, 2023, we successfully carried out a horn trimming operation at the reserve where our Lucky 5 rhinos reside. The operation proceeded without any issues, and we were able to trim the horns of 12 rhinos over the course of two days, including 11 white rhinos and 1 black rhino. These operations evoke mixed emotions for us. On one hand, we appreciate the magnificent sight of the rhinos in their full glory after the trimming, but on the other hand, we are reminded of the increased risks they face from poachers. By conducting these horn trimmings, we aim to improve their chances of survival in the future.

Horn trimming is a process similar to clipping your fingernails. When performed correctly, it does not cause any harm to the rhinos. However, just like fingernails, rhino horns continue to grow and can reach their full size in approximately 5 years. To ensure that the horns are kept short enough to deter poachers, these operations need to be conducted every 2 years.

We would like to express our gratitude to our dedicated Rhino Revolution team for their outstanding work in making this operation run smoothly. We would also like to thank our sister organizations, Rhino Revolution Europe and Rhino Revolution UK, for their invaluable support and funding. Additionally, we extend our appreciation to all the guests who joined us on the day, as their presence made all of this possible. Special thanks go to Dr. P. Rogers and the Provet team, Riaan de Beer, Colin Rowles, and the pilots, Bruce and Jerry McDonald, for their exceptional contributions to the success of this operation.

Join us for our next Horn Trimming and assist us to help save this magnificent specie. http://www.rhinorevolution.org/horn-trimming-experience

Ndabeni leaners first Rietspruit game drive

Rhino Revolution conducted our very first Rietspruit game reserve trip with learners from Ndabeni Higher Primary School. On the 20th of June 2023, we took eight students for a morning game drive. The students were brimming with excitement, as it marked their first experience on an open vehicle. The drive proceeded smoothly, particularly for the children who caught their initial glimpse of wildlife up close. What was truly heartwarming, was experiencing the children’s reaction when we came across a cheetah next to the road, though on the other side of the fence. Additionally, we had the opportunity to demonstrate various environmental impacts within the area to the students. We eagerly anticipate the upcoming game drives and the children's response to them.

Chipoko's first Calf

Recently, we had the privilege of witnessing a truly magical event: the birth of Chipoko's first rhino calf.

The mother of the little female rhino, Chipoko (Swahili for "Ghost"), arrived at our orphanage at the age of three months after her mom was poached. Chipoko herself is a true fighter. After her mother was killed, she survived alone in the bush for five days without milk. Nevertheless, she received care from our dedicated rehabilitators and was released in 2017 with the rest of the Lucky 5.

The baby's father is a wild rhino, the same bull that has mated with Masingita.

On May 5th, 2023, during the full moon, the rhino baby was born. It is Chipoko's first calf, and it's a girl. The baby is thriving and has been spotted several times. She doesn't have a name yet, but her joyful character and curious nature bring us great joy.

We are also pleased to report that Chipoko has already introduced her newborn baby to the crash, known as the Lucky 5.

This is a success story, and we are proud to be witnesses to such a unique event and to contribute to the protection and conservation of these majestic creatures.

Bloomberg News Reports on the Battle Against Rhino Poaching:

On March 24, 2023, we had the privilege of hosting renowned journalist Jonathan Franklin on behalf of Bloomberg News during a horn trimming operation. We are grateful to Bloomberg News for covering the important issue of rhino poaching and raising awareness about the urgent need for species conservation.

Together with Jonathan, we visited a private farm where we trimmed the horns of several rhinos. In addition to the actual work, it was important for us to enlighten Jonathan about the facts and background of rhino conservation. We shared our experiences, challenges, and successes in this crucial fight against poaching.

We are eagerly anticipating the article that Jonathan will publish about our encounter and the issue of rhino poaching. His presence has not only provided us with the opportunity to make our work accessible to a wider audience but also to gain valuable insights and perspectives.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jonathan and Bloomberg News for their time, interest, and dedication to protecting rhinos. Together, we will continue to strive for the preservation of these majestic animals and their habitats, creating a better future for generations to come.