The very word Solio is indicative of saving the Black Rhino as a species here in
Kenya, for when Black Rhinos had all but disappeared from their natural native
ranges, including Tsavo National Park (once the home of 8,000), it was on 17,500
acre Solio Ranch under tight security that the species managed to proliferate
from a mere handful introduced 40 years ago to some 90 individuals. And it is
from the Solio population that rhinos have been reintroduced to other Protected
Areas since the 80’s. It was also to Solio that David Sheldrick moved Tsavo
East’s orphaned rhino Reudi in the 60’s, who was continually under attack from
other rhinos, and who became the breeding bull of the ranch. Consequently
Reudi has probably fathered most of the living rhinos in Kenya today.
Subsequent to that, in 1976 when David was transferred from Tsavo East to head
the Planning Unit in Nairobi, two remaining Tsavo rhino orphans, Stroppie and
Pushmi were also transferred to Solio where he knew they would be protected and
cared for. There they lived in a 50 acre paddock until Stroppie recently died
of old age in her late thirties but Pushmi survives still, undoubtedly the
oldest rhino in Kenya, and a stunning specimen with a magnificent horn.
Recently, however, Solio has also had a few of its black rhinos poached. One
such casualty could be the mother of our recent orphan who was rescued on the
23rd September, when her mother was rendered immobile from a shoulder injury,
however the reason has not been confirmed. The Rescue alert came to us during
the afternoon of the 23rd September 2010 when a Caravan aircraft was with 4
Keepers aboard plus all the paraphernalia required to overpower and airlift back
to the Nursery what we were told was a 6 month old calf. However, when the
Rescue Party arrived, they found that the young rhino was thought to be older
than 6 months – probably closer to a year, and extremely feisty – far too
aggressive to risk being in a plane. Having already been immobilized to load
into a crate, the KWS Vet and KWS rangers in attendance did not want to risk
another sedation hence the Rescue Plane returned empty, leaving the two Keepers
and the KWS team with the young rhino. The Keepers had not anticipated
spending a freezing night at high altitude, without blankets or food. Angela
phoned a friend, Tanya Church, who happens to own the recently built small
exclusive Lodge on the Ranch. They came to the rescue, bringing blankets, food
and water to the stranded Keepers, who spent an uncomfortable night beside the
crated rhino on the Solio Airfield.
Meanwhile, Lewa very kindly provided the truck needed, and the rhino arrived on
our doorstep at 5 a.m. in morning of the 24th, waking up all the elephants in
the Nursery who began bellowing for their milk earlier than usual.
The problem was now how to unload what was an extremely weighty cargo which
actually required a Fork Lift or a Block and Tackle. Neither were available
locally, so it required the ingenuity and expertise of Robert (Angela's
husband) to undertake this task and this he did, with the help of tow ropes
attached to the crate and pulled in unison by two Landrovers, with all the
Keepers beside the crate to ensure that it remained upright as it was gradually
eased down a ramp onto log rollers. This was accomplished successfully, and
the next essential was to inoculate the calf with antibiotics to forestall
pneumonia and other ailments brought on by stress due to a resultant depressed
immune system. Crouched on top of the Crate, and using pole syringe, Robert
managed to inject both the antibiotic, and vitamins. The little rhino was
extremely strong still, but quite obviously badly in need of both water and
sustenance. Thereafter the Crate was maneuvered to the dividing entrance to
Kandecha’s night Stockade, abutting the one set aside for the new rhino, so that
the newcomer could be let out into Kandecha’s quarters, and the crate then
hauled back through the entrance to its designated Stockade. She came out
hesitatingly, and thereafter repeatedly smashed against the walls and door of
the Stockade, attempting to deal with all in sight. Only the soft exhalation
of breath - the sound with which a mother calls its baby, relaxed the calf a
little, indicated by the attitude of the ears, but the little rhino was
nevertheless still far too aggressive to risk being handled. Once the Crate
was out of the way, the calf was tempted into its designated Stockade and the
dividing door between the two stockades closed by remote control, everyone still
keeping well out of the way!
The new orphan is a female, and named Solio. She is extremely important to the
survival of the species since the demand for rhino horn in the Far East is
rapidly driving this ancient species to extinction. Her Stockade abuts that of
blind Maxwell, who was very interested in the entire procedure, and whose rhino
scent will hopefully help provide a calming influence for the calf because she
will know she is not alone.
Two Keepers have been with the little rhino constantly since that day. A bottle
brush strapped onto a long stick seems to have done the trick and the tickling
brush has caressed Solio into submission and she is now totally trusting of the
Keepers and insatiable in her desires to be pampered with mudwallow rubbing,
dust baths and tickling. She seems to be so attached to her stockade which
provides her with the security to which she now clings, that coaxing her out of
it is proving quite a challenge!
To view photographs from the rescue please click here: http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/asp/orphan_profile.asp?N=235
To foster Solio please click on this link: https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/asp/foster.asp?nn=1&G=&LP=103201002-pic7a.jpg&addn=235&N=235&FN=SOLIO
Most Sincerely,
Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick D.B.E.
http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
