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African Reserve...
Home to our breeding herd of Southern White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum) and one of the parks most popular sights and experiences – the Rothschilds Giraffe herd (Giraffa camelopardaris rothschildi). Ever curious they are always on the lookout for the special diet food available to customers which is guaranteed to bring them close enough to eat out of your hand – assuming the Burchell’s zebra (Equus burchellii), Brindled Wildebeeste (Connochaetes taurinus), Red Lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis), Eland (Taurotragus oryx) and Ankole Cattle (Bos taurus) haven’t got to you first! Please follow the advise on the food boxes when feeding the animals, especially that of washing your hands afterwards. Your journey around the park will take you in and out of this reserve several times so don’t worry if you think you may have missed something. As you come down the hill on the penultimate part of the reserve look out for the Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) on the left. Behind them if you look across the lake you might just catch a glimpse of the Przewalski’s Horse (Equus przewalskii) on the hill opposite. The reserve also offers other panoramic views over much of the park, the lakes, Amusement Area, the Discovery Trail and the Severn Valley. Finally, as you leave, the large complex of buildings on the left houses the rhino and giraffe every night and many of the antilope during the winter months.
White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simium)...
The Southern White Rhino is the largest rhino species, being around 4m long and 2m tall however, despite its two to three tons and its two formidable horns, it is inoffensive unless provoked. The rhino's anterior horn is the longest, up to 1.5m - the longest one on record being 158cm. The animal is slate grey in colour and has a square lip, the name "white" being derived from the Afrikaan word "wyde", a reference to the rhinos wide mouth.
White rhinos were quite common in Southern Africa, but alas, it has been poached so severely that it is now only found there in the reserves of Zululand where all our rhinos originate. Strange as it may appear, these enormous animals may be seen from time to time with a small bird on its back. The bird is called a cattle egret and will give advance warning of approaching danger.
Rhinos are not particularly intelligent animals, but this makes them totally unpredictable and therefore all the more dangerous. A female rhino with a young calf may become extremely aggressive not only towards human disturbance, but even her own species.
Burchell's Zebra (Equus burchellii)
The Burchell's Zebra which can be seen at the Safari Park (or Boehm's zebra as they are also known), are part of a species of completely and evenly striped zebra. The pattern of stripes varies considerably amongst individuals of the same herd and species. They have long ears, short stiff manes and tufted tails. Although very closely related to the horse, and having many of their characteristics, zebra are closer in appearance to the ass.
Zebra are extremely social animals and in the wild often group with other types of animals. They are, however, extremely timid animals and often fall prey to lions, hyenas and hunting dogs. Zebra foals are born with a buff coloured coat, and will stay close to their mother and the family group for between 1 and 3 years. After this they will leave to join other groups and eventually be the making of future herds. Zebras were first known to be used by the Romans in the circus and were called "horse-tigers".
Brindled Gnu (Connochaetes taurinus)
The Brindled Gnu, or otherwise known as wildebeest, is a member of the antelope family. They are ungainly animals with a buffalo-like head, horns and huge shoulders. Principally a grazing animal, the brindled gnu can be seen on the grasslands ranging from Kenya to South Africa.
Gnus are very selective in their feeding habits, this being the reason for their annual migration in search of fresh feeding grounds. This can take them 1000's of miles. Research has highlighted that migration and the breeding programme follow the same pattern every year - mating occurs just prior to migration and calves are born as soon as the herds return to their home grasslands during October and November.
Gnus rely upon their keen eyesight and sense of smell to avoid lions - their greatest enemy. They have also been extensively hunted by man - whose main objective for slaughtering them was for their tail, out of which fly-whisks were made!
Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardaris rothschildi)
Giraffe are gentle creatures, but if cornered by a lion, can defend themselves with their hooves and the lion will rarely get the better of them. Earlier forms of giraffe have grown bigger, but existing species now grow to a height of 6m (as high as a double-decker bus!), with females about 1m shorter. The front legs of the giraffe are slightly longer than the back ones, giving their shape an awkward appearance.
Their height makes reaching its favourite food effortless and because it is equipped with a long, thin upper lip and tongue, that can extend some 50cm, it can be a very skillful and selective feeder. The colour and pattern of the coat varies considerably between individuals in the same herd. The giraffe's here, at the safari park, are of the rothschild sub-species, distinctive by their bold markings - large brown patches which are separated by broad white lines.
Giraffes have keen vision, are excellent runners and are virtually mute. They also cannot swim.
Ankole Cattle (Bos taurus)
An African breed of cattle, the ankole are thought to date back as far as 500 BC and today still have an appearance reminiscent of their ancestors, which are thought to have been the wild auroch.
The cows have tremendously wide curved horns which can span some 6ft, but those of the bull are shorter.
Cows are kept almost exclusively for their milk producing qualities. Exceptional cows have been known to produce up to 5 litres per day.
Ankole appear to be susceptible to disease, in particular tuberculosis. Traditionally bull calves were slaughtered at birth except for future breeding progeny.
Cows mature very slowly- her first calf would be produced when she is about 4 years old. Additions to her family would be added at two or three year intervals.
They are called Ankole in southern Uganda but in Rwanada and Burundi they are called Watussi cattle by the people of the Watussi tribe.
Eland (Taurotragus oryx)
Eland are primarily browsers who can survive for long periods entirely upon the moisture extracted from its food. This, coupled with its strong powerful frame, plentiful supply of milk and good quality lean meat, make it a fine replacement for domestic cattle in arid areas. Their favourite food is the leaves from the acacia tree. When this is unavailable they will eat grasses and even melons - they have also been known to dig for roots and bulbs with their hooves when food is in short supply.
Eland are the largest of the antelope species, with long twisted horns which can grow up to 1m long. They have an unusual fold of loose skin under their throat which is known as a dewlap. Adult males can reach a height of 2m at the shoulder. In the wild, the eland lives in open country in East Africa and at one time could be found as far south as the Cape. They generally live in herds of between 25-75. Despite their size, being timid creatures, eland easily fall prey to predators.
Red Lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis)
Red Lechwe spend much of their life in swamps and flood plains, rarely venturing more than 3km from permanent water. After sitatunga to which they bear no resemblance, they are the most water loving antelope. This is their refuge when threatened as they are preyed upon by all and sundry. Lions, hyena, cheetah and even eagles exact a heavy toll, especially on the calfs.
Their lifestyle compares in many ways with wild deer in Britain. Principal activity is in early morning and late afternoon, lying up in the heat of the day. Similarly, new born calves will remain secreted away for the first 2/3 weeks of life, before joining the herd which typically comprises of about 30 individuals. Although slow on land they can move quickly in shallow water and swim well. Their diet consists of semi-aquatic grasses.
The males have superb horns, often nearly 100cms long. They can be found in large numbers around the Okavango and Chobe marshes in Botswana.
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