Two weeks ago, a white rhino was born on Lalibela Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa (www.lalibela.net). Mother and calf have retreated to a thickly wooded area and are likely to move once the mother feels comfortable to do so.During this time, rangers at Lalibela Game Reserve will avoid approaching the mother and calf.

It is a fact that we, as large intelligent mammals, have an affinity, a bond, with other large mammals like elephant, whales, rhinos etc. This is why the threats faced by the rhino from poaching strikes a particularly hurtful chord with us. Great efforts are being made by public and private sectors to protect the rhino and we at Lalibela are proud to be playing a role in this. The reality is that by the time the rhino calf you see in this picture is 20 years old….the war to save the rhino from extinction in the wild will either have been won or lost.

To be born into these times, little rhino, comes with a degree of sadness – during your lifetime, the future of your breed will be determined. And it will be determined not by you but by man!

For more information about Lalibela's conservation programme, please contact Tania Botha at stay@lalibela.co.za

More about Lalibela Game Reserve:

Lalibela is a Big 5 game reserve on the Eastern Cape coast of South Africa, 90km east of Port Elizabeth, the nearest airport. In addition to the Big 5 (lion, rhino, elephant, leopard & buffalo), the 7 500 ha (about 18 500 acres) reserve is home to other predators such as cheetah, hyena, jackal and lynx, as well as numerous plains animals including giraffe, zebra, warthog, impala, wildebeest, blesbok and various other antelope species. Overlooking indigenous bush and watering holes, accommodation is in a luxury tented camp and cosy safari lodges. The reserve is known for its relaxed informality and warm hospitality, with buffet meals enjoyed at communal tables or under the stars in an outside dining boma.

Visit the website at: www.lalibela.net

Blog: lalibelablog.wordpress.com

For media questions please contact:

Gail Davis @ webadmin@lalibela.co.za