Regal Rhinos
If yesterday was quiet on the plains, today returned us to heart-thumping wildlife adventure that you’d expect in Africa.
Queen Elizabeth and Kofi Annan are two healthy adult southern white rhinos living in a sanctuary in the Maasai Mara. Sanctuaries are not uncommon in the rhino-care world.
In fact, some conservation organizations credit them with bringing back southern white rhinos and back rhinos from near extinction in Africa.
But you can read the stats as you’re so inclined and support Save the Rhino, which I recommend.
What you can’t know is how loud my chest was pounding when Queen Elizabeth, a mere 10 or 12 feet away, turned her massive head toward our little group and took a couple steps forward. Big steps. Rhino steps. (Did I mention we were on foot?)
Edward, the unarmed ranger, motioned for us to back up as he spoke to Queen Elizabeth in a quiet soothing language that only the two of them understand, three actually when you include her male companion Kofi Annan.
Edward, with his arms outstretched and continued coaxing, got Queen Elizabeth to turn and walk back into the brush.
How did you do that?
“She knows me, she know my voice. She trusts me.” Edward was matter of fact, but not without pride.
And he should be proud. He and several other rangers and guards (they are armed) take care of these two beasts round the clock.
The sanctuary is surrounded by a boma, too big in circumference to register. When you’re in the sanctuary, you’re in the open bush with two rhinos roaming freely.
Edward explained that the female, 21 years old, has been there since she was young, and the male, 16, was born in the sanctuary.
The staff’s commitment to the pair of rhinos is complete and unconditional.
We followed Edward who followed Queen Elizabeth to the sanctuary headquarters where she met back up with her partner. The two eyed us occasionally. But for the most part kept on eating.
It was a brief visit. But a powerful one. And not that I’m keeping score, but that’s all of them. The Big Five. I was fortunate enough to see all of them during my two weeks in Kenya.
Two unforgettable weeks.
2 thoughts on “Regal Rhinos”
Wow Anne, must of been quite unforgettable to experience that close encounter with that rhino. What a beast they must be to be that up close to them. Glad your safe, how exciting to be able to be there with those wild animals. Pictures n videos prolly does no justice compared to being there !! Have safe trip back to the states.
Lots love from brother Paul !!
Anne, I look forward to your emails of your adventure. Having the pictures and videos with your description of what you are seeing, is so great. Like no matter how you describe how big a rhino is, seeing the video it was amazing how enormous and strong they are. And I want to tell you that I would like a picture of that beautiful sunrise with the giraffes walking through it. I couldn’t believe that you saw that stunning sunrise & giraffes with your own eyes in person. I’ve been forwarding these to my sister and she absolutely loves all animals (the Tiger is her favorite) she is in awe that you went on this. Can’t wait for the next article. Be safe!!
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