VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE RHINO NAMES
for a $25 donation!
Help the local people name the two new rhinos going to Mlevu Sanctuary!
Meet the rhinos!
The 2 bull rhinos that are heading to Sanctuary 2 have long been friends and have often been seen together.
They are:
Rhino no.1: 8 years and 9 months old bull
Ear notched as number 241*
Longer body but smaller in size.
He seems alert and observant.
Rhino no.2: 8 years and 5 months old bull
Ear notched as number 244*
Larger neck, chest and taller.
He seems fiesty and playful.
*This number is to identify the rhino and is not related to the national or local population number
The rhinos were first "boma-ed", or put into enclosures, to be monitored. They have been given supplementary feed and have settled down.
After a few days the rhinos were put into a larger paddock and were reunited.
The rhinos are slowly getting ready to embark on their long, complicated road trip across the country to get to their new home at Mlevu.
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As excitement in the communities builds, we are inviting you to be part of their naming process and contribute to the Initiative!
Suggested names
These names have been suggested by local village Headmen, the area Councillor, one of our senior Cobras Community Wildlife Protection scouts and the Grade 7 class of Mlevu Primary School!​
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Msizi - Meaning "helper" in Ndebele as the rhino will help and support the local communities.
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Mthokozisi - Meaning "happiness" in Ndebele, given the joy the rhinos will bring to local people, including children, as well as to tourists.
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Simanga - Meaning “miracle” in Ndebele, and more specifically meaning people will see and wonder, because the rhino will not only attract tourists but also pique the curiosity and wonder of local people.
Ntuthuko - Meaning “development” in Ndebele as the rhino are seen as a means for local social and economic development in the area.
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Mlevu - The name of the Ward Headman as his close relationship to nature has always been obvious and he passes on his appreciation of wildlife to those around him. He is one of CRCI's biggest champions.
Mzamo - Meaning "effort" in Ndebele given the significant collaborative effort, including from the local people themselves, to bringing rhino back to the area.
Cebo elihle - Meaning "good idea" in Ndebele because…a project that reintroduces rhino while benefiting local people is indeed a good idea!
Spokesman - The rhino will represent the local people's appreciation of wildlife for the whole world to see, through visiting tourists.
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Asenze - Meaning "let's do" in Ndebele to show the communities' eagerness to progress CRCI forward.
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Mphumelelo -Meaning "success" in Ndebele to show how the rhinos' presence marks an important accomplishment for the local communities. ​