Help the local people name the two new 2026 rhinos
...for a $25 donation!
Meet the rhinos!
The 2 bull rhinos that are heading to Sanctuary 2a, the extension to Mlevu Sanctuary 2 have long been friends and have often been seen together.
They are:
Rhino no.1:
Birth date: 19 September 2018
Ear notched as number *
Mother/founding line: Nyavasikana
Rhino no.2:
Birth date: 6 June 2018
Ear notched as number 353
Mother/founding line: Chavagwisa
*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.
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, two of our senior Cobras Community Wildlife Protection scouts and school children!
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.
Mncedisi - Meaning "helper" in Ndebele as the rhino will help and support the local communities.
Mthokozisi - Meaning "happiness" in Ndebele, given the joy the rhinos will bring to local people, including children, as well as to tourists.
Sondokhulu - Meaning “Big Foot” to represent the majestic rhino and its impact on the land and area.
Siyazama - Meaning “We are trying” in Ndebele as a representation of the forward-thinking communities in the area, committing to wildlife conservation, a novel and inspirational step for other communities.
Mzamo - Meaning "effort" in Ndebele given the significant collaborative effort, including from the local people themselves, to bringing rhino back to the area.
Cebelihle - Meaning "good idea" in Ndebele because…a project that reintroduces rhino while benefiting local people is indeed a good idea!
Mkhulumeli - Meaning "appreciation" in Ndebele, representing the local people's appreciation of wildlife for the whole world to see, through tourists visiting.
Mpumelelo - Meaning "success" in Ndebele to show how the rhinos' presence marks an important accomplishment for the local communities.
Choose a name for rhino 1 and a name for rhino 2.
Use the code where the two names you've chosen intersect to vote in the form below!
