The Gauteng Province has a reason to celebrate as the city of Tshwane announced the happy news of a rhino calf being born at their urban nature reserve.
Tshwane, South Africa (08 April 2022) – Pippa the Rhino recently gave birth to a baby rhino and the city of Tshwane is buzzing with excitement.
Rietvlei Nature Reserve belongs to the City of Tshwane and was established in 1929. The nature reserve is considered a large nature reserve in an urban setting and covers about 4 000 hectares. There are 60kms of tar and dirt roads that allow you to spot all kinds of wildlife. There are a few hides scattered around the reserve that allow you to sit quietly and watch the wildlife right below.
The reserve is home to rhinos, cheetah, an incredible population of birds, various buck species, jackals and more. The open grassland allows for great viewing for families on self-drive.
One of the rhinos, Pippa, gave birth to a calf two days ago. Officials shared the happy news today.
“The calf was first spotted with its mother, Pippa, early this morning, and it is estimated to be about two days old.
The calf’s gender cannot yet be determined as conservation officials will not disturb the two, giving them sufficient time to bond. The calf will only be named once its gender has been determined. Pippa was born at Rietvlei Nature Reserve eight years ago and this is her second calf.”
Many people have voiced concern about the announcement of the rhino calf being born. The reserve has a very healthy population of rhino and actively work to protect the animals within the reserve.
The reserve started being proactive in the war on poaching and started dehorning the Rhino in 2010. This method and constant policing are working for the reserve.
Officials have asked the public to please give Pippa space and time with her new calf, especially as the weather takes a turn this weekend.
“While we are excited by this new addition to Rietvlei Nature Reserve, we are concerned that the current cold snap may be a threat to the calf’s survival. We, therefore, urge the public not to harass Pippa and the newborn, and to give the new mother space to protect her young.”
“Conservation officials are further warning that Pippa has already displayed significantly aggressive behaviour when discovered this morning, and would like to urge the public to stay as far away from the two as possible.”
You can join the Facebook page here to see some of the incredible sightings and to add your own.
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