Drama queen

World Rhino Day was celebrated on 22 September, as it is every year. It’s a day to encourage the human race to take a moment to reflect on the state of rhino conservation. It’s a chance to celebrate achievements, acknowledge setbacks, and renew commitments to the actions still needed. Here on the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve rhino conservation is happening every second of every single day, since the arrival of our founder populations in 1997/8. The result is that currently the population densities of both black and white rhinos is such that we are able to supply and restock rhinos to suitable protected areas in Africa.

Focusing on good news, in August 2025, the latest population estimates for all five rhino species were published, showing a welcome increase for black rhinos in Africa. The species remains under severe threat, but strong signs of recovery in key countries, including Zimbabwe, show that conservation actions are making a real impact.

A black rhino intending to make a real impact was this young, heavily pregnant cow. She spotted our game-viewer vehicle from over a hundred metres away, and made a determined beeline for us. Black rhinos have a reputation for being extremely aggressive, and can charge repeatedly at perceived threats. That said, some of them will remain calm and amble away, while others will immediately turn and run away to avoid confrontation. But this cow was intent on giving us a full intimidating display of her power and glory! She charged three times, each time walking, then running, then thundering towards the vehicle, before slamming on brakes and sending up clods of earth and clouds of dust. Then, seemingly confused that we didn’t race away (which might have provoked a more serious charge), she would snort and jinx, turning on a dime, and gallop away.

Black rhinos are very fast and can get up to speeds of 55 kilometres per hour (34 mph) running on their toes. I can testify it is a truly intimidating scene seeing one barrelling towards you, especially a hormonal cow! The gestation period for a black rhino is about 15 months. She is about seven years old, this will be her first calf, and it should weigh about 35 - 50 kilograms (80 - 110 lb). How wonderful that another feisty black rhino calf is on its way to further bolster the population.