A few weeks ago, towards the murram heaps near No. 10 junction, we saw a big, massive white rhino bull. He was impressive and calm, as he slowly moved forward while grazing grass.
I decided to drive on and wait at the waterhole, then we saw another white rhino already drinking at the waterhole.
This time it was a smaller younger white rhino bull. The big white rhino bull approached the same waterhole and seemed to be about to quench his thirst, when suddenly, he turned slightly.
Then he rapidly accelerated and ran past our parked vehicle at full, charging speed towards the young white rhino bull. The young bull responded by running in a rapid semi-circle, while simultaneously squeaking loud alarm calls as only stressed rhinos can, combined with the sound of their padded feet drumming against the ground making small exploding mini dust clouds.
The big white rhino maintained full charging speed for quite a distance, until they both disappeared over the distant horizon.
It seems that this bigger moody rhino bull was just a “big bully bull” to ensure his dominance over other rhino bulls in the area. What was quite amazing about the whole experience, was that the “big bully bull” looked so seemingly calm and even passive. He then very rapidly “switched” and charged at full speed within seconds of sensing the other rhino bull.
It should be noted that many of the white rhino currently in Kenya can trace their family roots back to Northern Natal in South Africa through a successful translocation project several decades ago. Perhaps if you listen carefully these White Rhino snort their unique “rhinise” communication language, with a slight South African accent.
Thankfully the Nairobi white rhino population is still thriving, even with some “big bully bulls”. Let’s pray they continue to survive and thrive in this sanctuary.
For more information on the park you can link to the following website www.kws.go.ke
