As if a cheeky valentines getaway to a luxury game reserve and spa wasn’t enough, visitors to the Aquila Private Game Reserve, could be in for a beautiful surprise with the possible sighting of a new rhino calf at the reserve.
The anti-poaching unit started their Valentine’s Day with a sighting of the calf with its mother on the reserve.
Aquila, about 2 hours drive from Cape Town, is proud to have been able to bring the first rhino to the Western Cape in 250 years and in February 2005, announced the birth of the first baby. Now, 15 years later the reserve conservation teams are absolutely delighted to once again be able to confirm the birth of another baby rhino on the 10,000 hectare wildlife reserve and spa.
In 2011 three of Aquila’s rhinos were attacked by poachers. Anti-poaching teams were able to save one of the three while one was already dead when discovered. The other rhino survived for 5 days before succumbing to its injuries. The reserve was left with no male rhino bulls to continue its breeding programme.
In May 2014, Aquila introduced a new bull to continue its breeding and conservation programme at the reserve. The new rhino was purchased from the Limpopo area after his owners discovered signs of poaching threats.
Over 2015 and 2016, Aquila was proud to announce the births of four rhino calves at the reserve.
This Valentine’s Day ‘gift’ is once again a proud moment for the conservation teams at this Big 5 game reserve – as they continue to conserve, protect and preserve these species for future generations.
SOURCE: GETAWAY