Loijupu was found by Sera Rangers 16 months ago in the 54,000 hectares-large, community-owned rhino sanctuary, having been abandoned by his mother ‘Nairenyu’ on account of her being startled by something only a few hours after giving birth, running away in fright. When the mother didn’t return, Loijupu was taken in by Reteti Elephant Sanctuary where he has been looked after by the incredibly dedicated team of vets and keepers.
Thanks to their expert care, Loijupu has grown into a fine specimen, enabling him to overcome his ordeal. When his wild instincts started to become apparent, all experts involved agreed it was time for Loijupu to follow his calling and continue his path back to paradise – the Sera Wild – which he calls home.
With the incredible joint efforts of Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Kenya Wildlife Service and Northern Rangelands Trust, Loijupu returned to Sera with a team of Samburu rangers welcoming him home after hours of patiently luring him into his transportation crate, adamant he was not to be sedated during the experience. Steppes Travel is offering guests the chance to “Kiss the Rhino for Good Luck” on their South Africa Group Tour; Rhino Conservation Project. Departing on 22nd July, this tour has been immensely popular and only has a few places left.
Discover the species being preserved and the wildlife education projects currently underway at these two valuable institutions. The White Rhino Conservation Project is committed to notching and inserting microchips into Greater Kruger National Park’s 130-strong white rhino population.
Rhino numbers are dwindling due to an exponential rise in rhino poaching. Poaching is serious money. Gram for gram, rhino horn is worth more than diamonds and gold, and is one of the world’s most expensive commodities, fetching up to $60,000 (£40,500) per kilogram. With Steppes Travel’s South Africa Group Tour guests can participate in a conservation project, including darting, notching and microchipping a rhino.
To find out more about being a part of this conservation project head to https://www.steppestravel.com/south-africa-group-tour-rhino-conservation-project/overview