Baby Obama heralds rhino revival in Uganda

In June 2009, Uganda conservationists had reason to smile: They witnessed the birth of the first ever baby rhino in Uganda, 27 years after the last rhino was seen.

The rhino was named Obama, a tribute to its shared birth heritage with the current leader of the Free World. Like US President Obama, the baby rhino has an American mother and a Kenyan father.

The rhino’s father was brought in from Solio Ranch in Kenya in 2005, while its mother was donated the Disney Animal Kingdom.

Four months later, another male rhino was born. It was named Augustus (“the respected one”).

Ansburg Zoo of Germany, the major sponsor of the rhinos in 2009 at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was honoured to name the male rhino.

In January, another male rhino was born. It is yet to be named.

The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary officials said individuals or entities able to support conservation and breeding efforts will have to bid for the rights to name and adopt it.

“Our project, now on phase two, is as successful as we would like it to be at this stage,” said Uganda Rhino Fund executive director Angie Genade.

Compared to other East African nations, Uganda holds a very tiny population of Rhinos.

However, this tale of intercontinent breeding illustrates the country’s growing need to diversify its offerings of game animals.

Uganda has 11 rhinos compared with 930 in Kenya, 120 in Tanzania.

While its two neighbours’ tourism is driven by big game comprising lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants, Uganda’s tourism is driven mostly by gorillas.

Sanctuary inhabitants

The new births bring the number of rhinos at the sanctuary to 11.

Taleo is the dominant male while Moja is second in command.