(Laikipia) – A black rhino calf has been born at Loisaba Conservancy, only a month after a recent translocation effort aimed at supporting Kenya’s rhino population. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) announced the birth, identifying the mother as Kibou, an eight-year-old rhino originally from Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The calf, born on October 16, has been affectionately named Valentine, a nod to the conservancy’s “Welcome Home Rhinos” event held on February 14.
KWS hailed the birth as a significant milestone, as it is the first black rhino calf born since the recent translocation earlier this year. The arrival of Valentine brings the black rhino population in Loisaba to 22, reinforcing Kenya’s position as the country with the third-largest rhino population in Africa, following South Africa and Namibia.
The KWS stated that this event highlights the importance of protected and connected habitats that can sustain rhino populations over time. Kibou has shown strong maternal instincts, making it challenging for wildlife teams to get close for detailed photos, yet both mother and calf are reportedly in good health.
KWS has underscored the impact of habitat connectivity in successful conservation efforts, citing the establishment of wildlife corridors and conservancies as essential in Kenya’s efforts to expand habitats for endangered species. Erustus Kanga, KWS Director General, emphasized that this collaborative approach to conservation is designed to involve local communities who coexist with wildlife. He noted that Kenya’s recent initiatives in wildlife recovery and habitat restoration aim to preserve species like the black rhino for future generations.
The journey to establishing Loisaba as a sanctuary for black rhinos is also a triumph for the conservancy. CEO Tom Silvester mentioned that Loisaba had not seen a rhino since 1973. Half of the conservancy’s 58,000 acres is now secured and equipped with low-profile fencing that ensures safety while allowing rhinos and other wildlife to move freely. This environment is critical for the breeding success of black rhinos, which are known to be solitary and require ample space.
| Key Conservation Milestones | Details |
|---|---|
| New Black Rhino Birth | First birth since recent translocation |
| Kenya’s Rhino Population | 3rd largest in Africa (after SA and Namibia) |
| Loisaba’s Rhino Population | Now at 22 rhinos |
| Habitat Expansion | 29,000 acres secured for wildlife movement |
In the wild, black rhinos are solitary and territorial animals, often engaging in fierce fights when competing for territory. Males are known to challenge one another, sometimes resulting in injuries or death. This territorial behavior makes it essential for black rhinos to have ample space to roam, as overcrowding can lead to conflicts.