Orange Pearl Innovation Group

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Rhino Update

Checking in on rhino Orange Pearl and the other two adopted white rhinos.

How is our adopted rhino doing?

In the picture above, you can see our adopted rhino Orange Pearl (left) next to InSocial (right). They have been part of the Mapesu Private Game Reserve for 16 months now and they are doing exceptionally well. Regularly we receive a short update about the white rhinos and we love to share these with you!

Check out this beautiful footage of the adopted rhinos in the video below:

Baby news!

In the last update we got some great news. White rhino InSocial is currently pregnant! Also, our adoption rhino has been spotted by the anti-poaching unit with rhino Forum9, so now we need to hold thumbs that she is pregnant as well. The average gestation period of a white rhino is 16 to 18 months for one young, so this can take some time. Every 2 to 5 years a female can have a young. At birth the baby rhino doesn’t have a horn yet and is already weighing tens of kilos.

A baby rhino is also called a calf. A calf stays with its mother until it is fully grown and a new young is born. He always stays close behind his mother, who protects him against attacks from other animals. The calf is suckled for a whole year. After 4 years a calf is sexually mature. However, the males have to wait 10 years with mating. After that time, they will be strong enough to do this properly.

White or gray?

As you can see on the pictures, the rhinos are gray. Something you wouldn’t think with the name ‘White rhino’. The White rhino is also called Wide Lip Rhinoceros, because they distinguish themselves from other African rhinos with their wide mouths. It owes its name to a translation mistake by the English. Because of his wide lips the African farmers called him ‘Wide lip’. The English misunderstood this and thought it was ‘White lip’. Since then, we have continued to call this rhino the ‘White rhino’, even though he is ordinary grey.

Rhinos Orange Pearl, InSocial and Forum9 seem to have established their territory on the reserve and have settled well. Mapesu Private Game Reserve has informed us that they are very tolerant towards vehicles and delight their guests with great viewing opportunities.

About the organization ‘Mapesu’

The Mapesu Private Game Reserve is situated in northern Limpopo, South Africa and is spread across 7,200 hectares in size. Currently, the reserve protects over 46 various bird, mammal and tree species, including elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, buffalo and rhinos. These are all animals which continue to form the flora and fauna of the reserve.

At Mapesu, they pursue the conservation efforts and protection of various animals, including those endangered. Mapesu started out in 2014 and at this moment that already have four of the Big Five in their reserve. The Big Five consists of the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo.

Their goal is to preserve and restore the environment and re-establish biological diversity while creating an up-close and personal experience that reaches into the heart and soul of every visitor.

Read more

All help is needed

We are very proud of our valuable contribution to Mapesu and the rhinos.
Are you also interested in helping? For all your questions and for more information about supporting us, please send an email to contact@shareduniversefoundation.org.

How can you help

  1. Firstly, spreading the word about these amazing creatures and their battle for survival by educating those around you. The more we educate people on the issues, the more we can influence the future.
  2. Donate your time and energy toward conservation efforts possibly by volunteering as it is an incredible way to have a truly up-close and transforming experience. Mapesu now offers guests this option in the Conservation Expeditions. https://mapesu.com/conservation-expeditions/
  3. Donate items or funds that are constantly in need to maintain the various conservation projects; keeping them active and open. Funds are often needed to maintain or replace batteries, the hiring of veterinary service, tracking systems, and other equipment, which are critical to the projects. As well as, to help fund the anti-poaching unit throughout the year.
  4. Come, visit or support the places that do good deeds; thus by doing so, your participation will help to fund the efforts happening in the background.
  5. Lastly, sharing is caring, so please share this write-up, post and other efforts with your group of friends and family.
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