Big mammals

The rhinos are definitely one of the most eye-catching animals in the reserve. But there are plenty of other big mammals to watch out for. Hippos and elephants are very much part of daily life in the reserve.

Having successfully reintroduced white rhino and wild dogs, future plans are to reintroduce black rhino, and lion into the wild of the reserve as well. Both species would thrive in the habitats the reserve offers. Their reintroduction will significantly add to the reserve’s contribution to the conservation of these incredible animals.

The white rhino is the more common of the two rhino species, with a population in the wild of around 20.000. The black rhino faces critical endangerment, but increasing levels of poaching threatens both.

The reintroduction of the white rhinos in the Tuli Block is one of the great success stories of the reserve. And as you can see, the rhinos are breeding well.

A great mystery surrounds the naming of the white rhino, with one of the most popular theories being a misunderstanding. Dutch settlers in South Africa named the rhino after its wide mouth with the early English settlers misinterpreting the Dutch word ‘wijd’, meaning wide and ‘wit’ meaning white.