Rhino Conservation in Uganda
The Rhinoceros, like many animals, have become under threat due to poaching for their horns and changes to their habitat which have created a major problem in keeping these species safe in Africa and Asia. Rhino conservation in Uganda has become a priority for several NGO’s in the country, who are attempting to foster a sanctuary space to revive the population of Southern White Rhinos, which were once indigenous to the region.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
African safaris can provide for protection, education and conservation in addition to the opportunity for a spectacular vacation. Choosing a space that lets you observe the animals in a safe location while enjoying your trip is the best way to ensure you are putting money into programs that have the animals security as the main focus. We had an on foot safari at the sanctuary, which was led by several rangers who worked on site, guiding us to keep a safe distance from the animals, answering questions we had about the rhinos living on the ranch, and making sure that poachers do not enter the property illegally. You have the chance to see these animals close up but without interacting with them and without them having to be confined to a cage or zoo.
The Rhino Fund has been assisting the sanctuary to help reintroduce rhinoceros in the National Parks of Uganda through a breed and release program. What originally began as 6 of the world’s second largest land animals, there are now 20 rhinos roaming the over 7,000 acres of protected land space.
Why are they “white” rhinos? There are five subspecies of Rhinoceros: the White, Black, Java, Sumatran & Indian Rhino. The Black Rhino hasn’t been spotted in Africa since 2011 and many speculate that these are a completely extinct species. They are smaller than their African counterparts, the White Rhino and are both dark gray in color. The Afrikaans word for wide, “wyd” was the confusion that gave the animals their names. “Wyd” or White Rhinos have wider lips, the Black Rhino having a hooked upper lip, their original distinguishing features. They are often referred to now as square lipped (white) or hook lipped (black).
These animals have a poor sense of sight, but make up for it with their keen sense of sound & smell. Their heads are the heaviest parts of their bodies so you’ll usually observe them grazing, eating low grasses.
Fun Fact: A Group of Rhinos is called a crash.
Rhino Conservation
With the ever declining populations, there is a rise in White Southern Rhinos with the programs like Ziwa Sanctuary & the Rhino Fund Uganda. The real problem lies in the illegal poaching and horn trade with Asia. We need to ensure that believers of traditional medicines learn more about items like rhino horns, which are essentially made from the same material as our human fingernails, keratin. The other source for these horns is for daggers in Yemen and Oman, a status symbol for the wealthy.
Humans are the only true predators for these animals, the sooner we all protect them the sooner they can thrive in their natural habitats. My experience with the rhino conservation efforts in Uganda was extremely positive. The program is working on a national level, the land is owned by a local Ugandan and they are keeping these animals guarded but without turning the land into a zoo or major tourist attraction. Visitors have a place here but they are not the main focus in the sanctuary. The welfare of the animals is paramount. When choosing a tour operator while on safari in Africa, make sure the company you are working with has the animals safety and your safety as a priority. Getting to Ziwa is relatively easy, it’s located only 100 miles from Kampala, the capital of Uganda. It’s on the way to Murchison Falls National Park so it’s a convenient day trip on route to other safaris.
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15 Comments
Anya
This is such an important topic! I fell in love with these beauties when on a safari in Nepal. I’d love to visit the conservation center and learn more! This was so informative!
Speck on the Globe
Thanks for reading! I’ll be in Nepal in April and I would love to learn more about the Greater One Horned Rhino that I think is in that region.
Sujenne Macaay
Thanks for writing about this ! I am a nnature lover and love reading these things. Sanctuarys mostly gets a controversial mindset around it but I sure love them. They protect the animals so they dont get extinct.
Speck on the Globe
Thanks for reading!! I’m happy to share information to other animal lovers, especially when I find a sanctuary or conservancy that is truly doing good work.
Marcos Puchols
What ?
Bethany
Well researched and informative – thank you for this. It’s such a sad fact that a species of rhinos can be extinct when their only real predators are humans.
On a lighter note, great pictures and it looks like a really good experience!
Speck on the Globe
Thank you, I enjoy doing the research so I’m happy when people appreciate the leg work! It was a wonderful moment to photograph 🙂
Dani
This is so incredibly important. And relevant given the news! I love the work that these sanctuaries do for the animals.
Speck on the Globe
Thanks Dani, I agree! I hadn’t written about my experience yet but the recent passing of the Northern Rhino gave me something to think about on the topic. I think it’s important to shed light on some projects that are making a difference when you feel like the movement has suffered a setback. Thanks for reading!
Chirasree Banerjee
Hi Abbie,
Glad you wrote about this topic. In Assam, India, we also have similar problem. Such sanctuaries are indeed important.
Kelly Mongan
Such an informative post! I find rhinos to be such a fascinating animal, and it’s terrible to see what’s happening to them, or the other animals that suffer from poaching. I have so much respect for organizations that are not only trying to make a difference, but doing so in an ethical and responsible way.
Daniella
I’ve never heard of an on foot safari! It seems this would be an amazing opportunity to really see the animals in their natural habitat. Given recent events, my heart absolutely breaks for Rhino’s and it was amazing to read about where the White Rhino gets it’s name and to see the conservation efforts. Thank you for sharing!
Rosemary
How incredibly important. Thanks for sharing the important work around rhino conservations. Great organization looking to make a difference in an ethical way!
Lauren
Such a fitting topic especially as of lately! It breaks my heart knowing people don’t respect the animals of this world! More than anything I would LOVE to visit a sanctuary like this! <3 Beautiful photos!
Joy Generoso
I’m happy to know that there are many groups and organizations now who are helping the conservation of Rhinos. I hope people will continue to support such advocacy including all the animals in the wild.