News from Ol Pejeta

Date: 01.09.2011

AST CHANCE TO SURVIVE UPDATE
August 30th, 2011
Northern White Rhinos Adapting to Life in the Wild

All of you remember Sudan, Suni, Najin and Fatu and their unbelievable journey from Dvur Kralove Zoo in the Czech Republic to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya almost two years ago (December 20, 2009).

It has been almost eight months since we sent news of the rhinos from Ol Pejeta, and for that we apologise. The good news is that we didn’t send updates because our four northern white rhinos are doing well and continue to live a happy and quiet life in their enclosures on Ol Pejeta. The bad news is that we are still not able to announce any pregnancy or birth, but are certainly keeping our fingers crossed.

All four animals are showing positive signs of adapting to life in the wild; signs such as Fatu and Suni mating regularly, Najin gaining weight and Sudan getting close to the southern white females.

Fatu and Suni have been successfully mating every cycling period (which is basically every time Fatu is on heat) with the last confirmed mating being only two days ago (August 28th). We even have a video to prove it! Click here to watch the mating. - external link  (viewer discretion is advised!).

Earlier in June, Najin was moved from the enclosure she shared with Sudan into the enclosure where Fatu and Suni are as part of the strategy to encourage natural breeding. Fatu was so excited to see her mother that she stayed close to her keeping Suni away for a couple of days. All three rhinos are now settled and are getting along great. In fact we have noticed Suni showing signs of interest in Najin.

In addition to Najin being moved from the big enclosure, Jomo, a southern white male was also moved out making Sudan the only adult male in the area. Sudan now has four southern white females at his disposal and there have been encouraging signs of his mating with two of them; Aramiet and Darling.

As part of security management, Najin and Fatu were dehorned again last month to reduce the size of their back horns. Sudan had been dehorned earlier in May.

Dr. Dana Holeckova, who had looked after these rhinos all their lives when they were in the Czech Republic, came for a routine visit to Kenya only a few days ago. Dana was happy with the body conditions of all the rhinos and their management. “The rhinos are doing very well in the wild with very encouraging body conditions, they are absolutely satisfied,” she said.

The northern white rhinos are constantly monitored and looked after and we will keep you updated on their progress as needed.