For elephants, who are very social creatures, each new arrival is cause for great excitement. Rhinos are territorial by nature, so Apollo is not quite as intrigued. While he has no issue with most of the menagerie, the addition of Twiggy the giraffe was a step too far in his estimation. She arrived at Kaluku in early December, after she was found walking alone among a herd of zebras. Apollo has been less than welcoming, snorting grumpily whenever he catches a glimpse of the giraffe from his stockade.
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| Watch: Apollo’s morning milk feed and hartebeest encounters! |
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Fortunately, we are able to coordinate movements so Apollo can avoid any unwanted encounters. Twiggy leaves her stockade first, heading off into the bush with her Keepers. Apollo and his team then go in another direction. Kaluku’s daily comings and goings are turning into a beautifully choreographed routine, all for the benefit of our surly rhino!
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Aside from his leggy rival, Apollo is having a marvellous time. Kaluku received a lot of rain in December, transforming the landscape into an oasis. Around every corner, he finds tasty greenery and sparkling pools. Dry patches of earth metamorphosed into terrific mud slicks, offering endless wallowing opportunities. The Mtito River, which had been reduced to quite a dull trickle, is once again rushing at full force.
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| These conditions have put a spring in everyone’s step — and our young rhino is no exception. Rhinos are related to the horse family, and like his equine cousins, Apollo feels his oats keenly. He has taken to dashing around Kaluku at breakneck speeds, giving his Keepers a very thorough workout in the process! |
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