Uganda’s newest baby rhinoceros at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has been named Rae Ruparelia.
The naming ceremony took place at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola district where the sturdy calf was born last Saturday, bringing the population at the sanctuary to 34 rhinos
The 7-year-old mother rhino, Uhuru is already showing signs of good mothering, according to the statement from Rhino Fund Uganda.
“Mother and baby are doing well and need to rest after their exciting night,” said a statement by Rhino Fund Uganda.
The naming ceremony was carried out by Ruparelia Foundation on Thursday.
The name was decided by Rajiv Ruparelia and wife Rae Naiya as one of the conservation strategy.
“Rae Ruparelia” is the name given to the new born rhino at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola. I was joined with my lovely wife, Naiya Ruparelia to witness the naming on behalf of Ruparelia Foundation,” Rajiv said.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, at the beginning of the 20th century, 500,000 rhinos roamed Africa and Asia. By 1970, rhino numbers dropped to 70,000, and today, around 27,000 rhinos remain in the wild. Very few rhinos survive outside national parks and reserves due to persistent poaching and habitat loss over many decades.
Three species of rhino—black, Javan, and Sumatran—are critically endangered.
Located 176km (100 miles) north of Kampala on the Gulu highway towards Murchison Falls (branch off at Nakitoma Trading centre) Ziwa is the home of the only wild rhinos in Uganda.
Presently the sanctuary is home to 22 southern white rhinos. The sanctuary has become increasingly popular with tourists; for Rhino Trekking, Shoebill Trek and Canoe Ride, Bird Watching, Night Walk, Nature Walk and Relaxation.
