As we approach the end of summer, the veldt remains a lush green. Grey, Jemu, Lilli, Spirit, and Muddy predominantly rely on natural grazing, supplemented by additional feeds for Jemu, whose condition had declined but has since shown significant improvement over the past few months. To survive hot and humid summer months, rhinos rely on mud wallows. They visit these mud pools in the early morning and late afternoon to prepare for the day’s peak heat and to cool down afterward. During the hottest hours, they conserve energy by resting in the shade. Ensuring rhinos have access to mud wallows is crucial for their well-being. Reintroduced and released rhinos such as Grey, Jemu, Lilly and Spirit are able to find natural wallows Mud plays a vital role for lots of wildlife but particularly for rhinos. Rhinos use wallowing as a way of regulating their own body temperature. The mud also protects their skin from the intense sun rays, as well as from biting parasites that are abundant at this time of year, such as ticks and mosquitoes. Mud wallowing can be a very important social activity for rhinos. They love to wallow with friends until they’re thickly coated in mud. Afterward, they are revitalised and full of energy. They gallop and play, and seek out tree stumps or low logs to satisfy their post-wallow itch! With the rhinos engaging in so many muddy activities, regular visual inspections of Grey’s AI enabled tracking collar are performed to ensure the mud does not prohibit the solar panel.
Spirit Wildlife Foundation Stories
Care For Wild: Fab 4
APRIL 8, 2024