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.