Lola and Nabuul, two hand-reared orphaned black rhinos, were last month released into the wild on Ol Pejeta. The release was a triumphant and emotional moment for their keepers, who will continue to monitor their progress in the wild.
Lola was born and raised on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, sister to the lovable rogue ‘Elvis,’ who was also hand-reared. Elvis, although fully wild now, can still be seen taking a cheeky drink from the outside taps at Lewa headquarters! When Lola started getting bullied by other black rhinos on Lewa, the decision was made to move her to Ol Pejeta, where she was introduced to Nabuul. Nabuul was orphaned when her mother was poached in a neighbouring conservancy, and since Ol Pejeta had the facilities to raise her, she was moved to the endangered species boma.
Black rhinos are famous for their aggression but Lola and Nabuul defy the stereotype. They have spent the past few years in the safety of the endangered species boma, browsing and learning skills that will ultimately determine their survival in the wild. As they became less familiar with human interaction, and approached breeding age, it was decided the time had come to set them free.
In December 2014, a gap was made in the endangered species enclosure fence, close to where the two females were situated at the time. Although they had to be gently coaxed, eventually they both made their first steps into the wild.
Their adoring keepers are still monitoring them very closely; to make sure their first few weeks are as smooth as possible. It is hoped that soon these two gentle giants will soon have babies of their own, and that they will be able to give them the wild start in life that they never had.
You can help support them through their new life chapter by adopting Lola and Nabuul.