Reid Park Zoo in Arizona celebrated the 50th birthday of Yebonga, one of the oldest Southern white rhinos in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums institutions, on April 15th. Her care team gave Yebonga rosemary-sprinkled hay and veggie ice cake while zoo visitors enjoyed cookies and in-home rosemary seeds. Guests were also encouraged to take action against wildlife trading by not supporting products from threatened or endangered species and voting for policies against such practices in local and national elections. The median life expectancy for Southern white rhinos is 36 years old.
Yebonga, the Southern White Rhino, one of South Africa’s most beloved residents at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, celebrated a milestone birthday on December 24th. This remarkable occasion marked Yebonga’s 50th birthday, an incredible feat for a white rhinoceros. Her longevity could be attributed to the exceptional care she has received at the center, where she has lived for over twenty-five years.
Early Life
Yebonga was born in the wild and spent most of her early life in the bush of what is now known as South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province. She was captured in 1995 as part of a project to conserve and protect the Southern White Rhino species, which was on the brink of extinction. At age 25, Yebonga was transported to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, which specializes in rehabilitating rhinos and other endangered species.
Life at Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
Once at the center, Yebonga was cared for by a team of dedicated professionals who ensured that she received the best possible care. She was placed on a diet of fresh grasses and provided with regular health check-ups to ensure that she remained healthy. Her quality of life was closely monitored, and she was given ample space to roam, graze and wallow in mud pools, as rhinos do.
Community Outreach
Yebonga has become a beloved community member, with many people visiting her at the center. She has also been the subject of severalumentaries, which have helped raise awareness about rhino conservation in South Africa. Yebonga’s life has shown that it is possible to make a difference when people come together to help protect endangered species.
Conservation of the Southern White Rhino
The Southern White Rhino is still classified as a near-extinct species, with conservation efforts being the only reason they continue to exist. Poaching is still a significant threat to the survival of rhinos in South Africa, where their horns are highly coveted for use in traditional medicine and as a status symbol. Yebonga’s birthday celebrations were a reminder of the importance of rhino conservation and the need to protect these majestic creatures.
Conclusion
Yebonga’s great fifty years of life testify to the importance of conservation efforts for endangered species. Thanks to the dedication of the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre staff and others who have contributed to rhino conservation, Yebonga has lived a long and healthy life. Her influence on the community and impact on conservation in South Africa are immeasurable, and her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of coming together to save endangered species.
In summary, Yebonga’s fiftieth birthday marked a joyful and historic celebration of her life and the conservation efforts that made her longevity possible. Her story is one of hope and a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our planet’s endangered species for future generations.
