For the past two years, we’ve proudly supported the Adopt-A-Rhino programme, an initiative dedicated to protecting one of Africa’s most iconic and endangered animals. As part of this programme, we adopted a young rhino named Kibo, and it has been a privilege to follow her journey and see her thrive at Somkhanda Game Reserve.
Kibo’s mother is one of the original females introduced to Somkhanda back in 2008, and Kibo is her sixth calf. In 2024, both Kibo and her mother were dehorned – a conservation practice that reduces the incentive for poachers by safely removing most of the horn while allowing it to grow back over time. This step plays a vital role in protecting Somkhanda’s rhino population.
A month after the procedure, Kibo’s mother gave birth to her seventh calf. As is natural for white rhino mothers, she pushed Kibo away to focus on her new calf. Kibo then spent a few weeks moving with two sub-adult males before eventually joining up with one of Somkhanda’s other original females and her calf. Since then, the three have formed a close-knit group, and camera traps across the reserve regularly capture them together.
(Below image shows Kibo on the left of her mother drinking at the waterhole in Somkhanda Reserve)
As the seasons have shifted, Kibo has continued to adapt and grow more independent. With Somkhanda enjoying a particularly rainy summer, there was plenty of grazing and mud wallows, making conditions ideal for young rhinos.
Kibo has also formed strong bonds within her community, often moving with other young rhinos and sometimes even reuniting with her mother. While she has become skilled at evading rangers during patrols, camera traps give the team a clear window into her movements and interactions.
Kibo’s story highlights the importance of long-term conservation. Every rhino at Somkhanda represents hope for the survival of the species, and every success story is made possible through combined efforts - from the dedicated reserve managers and monitors, to the supporters of programmes like Adopt-A-Rhino.
We are incredibly proud to contribute to this work and to know that our support directly helps protect rhinos like Kibo and ensures their future.
(Below images shows Kibo drinking at the waterhole with another original female to the reserve, and her calf)
We look forward to sharing more updates on Kibo and her progress in the months to come. Her journey reminds us why conservation matters and why we are committed to playing our part in safeguarding Africa’s natural heritage.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the Somkhanda conservation team for their tireless dedication, and to everyone who continues to support initiatives like this — together, we are making a difference.
