The European Union in Uganda Adopts & Names a Baby Rhino

The southern white rhinos are one of Uganda’s most treasured attractions, re-introduced into Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in 2005 by the Rhino Fund Uganda after getting extinct in the 1980s. Their numbers have slowly grown to 21 individuals that now roam the woodlands and savannahs and following the recent birth of a baby rhino they have more than tripled in number from the time they were imported into the country a decade ago.

Because of their endangered status, several conservation initiatives including adoption have been put in place to ensure their survival and growth in population. The Hon Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities-Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu along with the Head of Delegation of the European Union to Uganda-Ambassador Attilio Pacifici named the baby rhino that was adopted by the European Union, and this was done during a Press Conference held within Ministry Offices.

Born in February 2018 to Kori (as her 17^th Calf), the Rhino was one of the recently born babies in the Sanctuary and was named Mukasa Europe as mark of the partnership between Uganda and European Union towards Conservation and protection of the different wildlife species within country. Kori was one of the four Rhinos brought from Kenya in 2005 and can be tracked from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only habitat of the Uganda’s rhinos in the wild.

The name Mukasa Europe was suggested by Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu and was unanimously and instantly welcomed by all participants as a symbol of conservation partnership between Uganda and the EU. However adoption doesn’t mean the rhino will be taken away but just like the other Rhinos-Augustu, Obama, Apache and Bella that were adopted, Mukasa Europe was born in Uganda, will happily remain and be raised within Uganda. This will be instrumental in increasing on the numbers of these endangered large mammal species in the country. Not only that, it is obvious that the adoption of baby rhinos by the European Union augments on the hard work of the Rhino Fund Uganda towards the successful re-introduction and survival of rhinos in the Pearl of Africa.

However, the protection and ensuring the safety of the rhinos in the face of escalating poaching coupled with the increased demand for their horns is becoming costly, difficult and risky, hence the reason the babies are always adopted. Therefore, collaborations also involve breeding and management of the rhinos through supporting the Rhino Fund Uganda to carry on with its laudable work towards conservation of the rhinos in Uganda.

There are currently 21 rhinos that call the 70-square kilometer Rhino Sanctuary home and currently managed under a collaborative effort between the Rhino Fund Uganda and the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Tourists planning to track these exceptional mammals have to travel to Nakasongola district (near Nakitoma Village), approximately 180 kilometers north of Kampala City along the Kampala-Gulu highway. The fact that it’s found on the way towards Murchison falls National Park or Kidepo valley national park makes it a perfect stop for tourists interesting in encountering big five animals (Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes) during a safari in Uganda.

In addition to the rhinos, Ziwa rhino Sanctuary is a haven to other 39 mammal species including warthogs, elands, Hippos, monkeys, waterbucks and Uganda Kobs among others. Also, Nile crocodiles are also found here in addition to the Sanctuary offering shelter to over 300 species of birds including the shoebill storks, African blue flycatcher, sacred ibis and many others. Therefore activities you will enjoy include guided nature walks, rhino tracking, bird watching, the shoebill trek and canoe rides and unwinding among others. Most importantly, there is a team of 78 Park rangers and security guards who ensure 24-hour watch on the wildlife.