Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is a private, non-profit organisation located in Nakasongola district, and is the proud home of the only wild rhinos in Uganda.
The Rhino re-introduction project is the result of the concerted efforts by Rhino Fund Uganda and the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The long-term goal of the sanctuary is to “build a sustainable rhinoceros population and relocate rhinos back to their original habitat in Uganda’s protected areas”.
This sanctuary is a secure place where the general rhino population can be expanded by breeding, protected from all forms of predators, and gradually re-introduced into Uganda’s national parks, whilst allowing tourists and locals to benefit.
A team of around 80 park rangers and security guards keep a 24-hour watch on the rhinos to ensure their safety. The 70km² sanctuary is kept safe with a 2 metre electric fence that surrounds the enclosure, to keep rhinos in and intruders out.
The sanctuary is most well known for it’s rhino conservation, but the sanctuary is also home to over 40 mammal and reptilian species including monkeys, antelopes, hippopotamuses, crocodiles as well as an astounding 300 bird species.
Animal Life
The main attraction of the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary are the endangered Rhinos.
However, you can also find an additional 40 or so species of mammal and reptile including; antelopes, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, Ugandan kobs, oribis, bush bucks and water bucks.
There is of course around 300 birds that you can find at the sanctuary.
Here are just a few: Abdim’s Stork, Blue spotted dove, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Booted eagle, African Black Crake, Broad billed Roller, African Black-headed Oriole, Bronze Manikini, African Blue Flycatcher, Brown-backed Srub Robin, African Broad Bill, Brown-crowned Tchagra, African Citril, Brown Parrot, African Crowned Eagle, Brown-throated Wattle-eye.
