Spirit Wildlife Foundation

Observation of Rhinos

Summer has well and truly arrived at Care for Wild. The temperatures are climbing daily and the rain is falling heavily. The dusty, brown, dead veldt is turning luscious and luminous shades of neon green as new life blossoms. Natural grazing is increasing for the white rhinos and an abundance of browse has returned for the black rhinos. This welcome change from dry to wet season has been a long time coming but also brings many transitional issues and concerns. The drastic change in temperatures, rainfall and diet, puts Caregivers and Rhino Monitors on high alert. Tick populations increase and other parasites can have a detrimental and large-scale impact on the immune-compromised rhinos. Monitoring and observations of the rhinos increase at this time of year. Daily health checks are undertaken and recorded electronically to monitor each rhino’s food intake, parasite level, temperatures (for younger orphans) and body condition/weight. Behavioural observations are also key indicators of rhinos who require additional support. Particular attention will be paid to the new Moms and the newest arrivals at Care for Wild, Blizzy, Pebble and Axl.

For more information, visit the Spirit Foundation website www.spiritf.org