Khama sanctuary welcomes calf
16 May, 2008

Kasane - Chinga, the only black rhino that was relocated from the Chobe National Park to Khama Rhino Sanctuary in 2002 has finally given birth.

Black rhinos had been extinct in Botswana until 2002 when Chinga was FOUND by wildlife officials in the Chobe National Park. It is believed that the animal crossed into Botswana from Zimbabwe.

Since black rhinos are mostly targeted by poachers for their valuable horn, the animal was relocated to Khama Rhino Sanctuary in the central district for protection.

The sanctuary is a community based project for Serowe, Paje and Mabeleapodi villages.

Chinga gave birth in the last week of March but we are unable to tell the offsprings sex as the animal is still hiding the offspring, said Khama Rhino Sanctuary assistant manager, Ompatile Galaletsang adding that they wish the calf could be a female for purposes of multiplying.

It is reported that Chingas male mate Noodi was sourced from Zimbabwe.

According to Mr Galaletsang Noodi was donated by a Zimbabwean army commander after visiting the sanctuary sometimes in 2006.

He said while at the sanctuary the commander met President Lt General Seretse Khama Ian Khama who was then vice president.

The Commander promised to donate a male rhino which was delivered the same year and united with Chinga.

Our intention is to multiply the rhinos and introduce them to some places in Botswana, he said.

Mr Galaletsang said when Chinga was found in the park, it was discovered that she was tamed, adding that since her arrival in the sanctuary they have been working on introducing her back to the wild.

The people who captured her in Chobe had a bit of history about it. There were rumours that it used to reside in a place called Chinga in Zimbabwe and thats how it got its name, he said.

He said Noodi came with the name, adding that it was not clear how he got the name. Mr Galaletsang said the rhinos were doing well except for Noodi who at times got troublesome.

Noodi wants to live with people and as such he scratches tourists cars and at times drinks water in the swimming pool. He said Chinga was however, getting used to the wilderness.

He said they were also introducing Noodi to the wilderness. Its not safe to live with tamed animals as sometimes they can be unpredictable, he said.

We are trying to make him wild again, he said.

He said Chinga was still fit to give birth to more rhinos as age was still on her side.

As for white rhinos, one has been named after former Miss Universe Mpule Kwelagobe. BOPA  

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