Last of the Big 5: Rhinos at Solio Ranch

  Of all the Big 5 (leopard, lion, rhino, buffalo, and elephant), the one who has suffered the most from poaching bringing it to the edge of extinction in the 1990's is the rhino. Experts calculate that there were only 400 black rhinos left in Kenya at that time. Solio Ranch was approached to become the first rhino sanctuary in Kenya, and was so successful that it has become not just the model for rhino conservation, but also where most rhino in other parts of Kenya have originated.

   The rhino is doing quite well at Solio now living alongside lots of other wild animals such as oryx, gazelles, giraffes, leopards, buffalo, and lions. It was beautiful to see baby white rhinos among the 31 we saw grazing up in the plains, as well as a rare gathering of 6 black rhinos just inside the dense bush where they live in usual seclusion.  In the 2000's the rhinos at the ranch become a target for professional hunters with 9 black rhinos being shot or caught in snares. Their horns are still highly prized in China. Since these poachings a constant vigilance by an anti-poaching team has been set up around the ranch. As we chatted with the manager of the ranch before entering he told us that 5 poachers have been shot by the team.
  Traveling farther North in Kenya also gave us the opportunity to see different species of giraffes, waterbuck, and oryx. At this point the group is becoming quick proficient at noticing small differences between similar animals. The masai giraffe have turned into reticulated giraffe and the common waterbuck are now defassa's waterbuck.

  Solio Ranch was named after a famous Masai Chief. As much as his legacy is enduring in the name, I hope the rhino's legacy will continue enduring here in Kenya. It is looking good for the time being because of places like Solio and the watchful eye of organizations like the Kenya Wildlife Service. I can certainly tell you that it is amazing to see such a big, powerful, and beautiful creature out in the wild.