Morani is a 32-year old black rhino, kept in his own 70-acre enclosure within the Sweetwaters Reserve, and protected 24-7 by armed guards. Orphaned at a young age, Morani was rescued and introduced at another site in Kenya, where he was constantly being attacked by the other resident rhinos (rhinos are aggressively territorial). He was moved here seventeen years ago. Now, he provides researchers with valuable insight into the behavior of wild black rhinos in their native habitat.
Joanne with Morani, 2006.
We were lucky on our morning with Morani: he was active most of the time we spent with him. Other teams were less fortunate when Morani decided to sleep away the entire morning, resting in the shade of some Euclea shrubs. We were known as the 'kindly couple' because of our continuing good luck. Here, Joanne pats Morani on the neck, and is all nervous smiles. By the way, Joanne is six feet tall ... and Morani just about reaches her shoulder.
Morani Spraying, 2006.
Marking his territory, Morani sprays a stream of urine onto some shrubs. Although few other animals can get into his fenced enclosure, the slow-moving Morani doesn't know this. He acts as any wild rhino acts, except that he accepts the presence of humans very well. Besides providing a font of information for researchers, Morani is now on the itinerary of many safari guides in this area.
(Above) Morani strikes a regal pose for the camera. Although only one of over 30 black rhinos in the reserve, Morani is by far the most photographed and most popular among and tourists and visitors. I don't know of any rhino anywhere that can be safely approached. (Left*) Morani is a photographer's delight while he stands still for our pictures, but I actually think he's sleeping standing up.
Morani's Eye, 2006.
Three flies wander around the left eye of Morani. This close-up was made from about 8 inches away, as the big rhino rested in his bed. As docile as Morani appears, I couldn't help but be aware of his mighty horns and huge bulk. Rhinos can move extremely fast when they want to, and I'm sure Morani is no exception. Being semi-tame, I kept wondering: Doesn't that mean that he's also semi-wild?
Impala Skeleton, 2006*. What's left of an impala is found within Morani's compound, meaning a carnivore may have made its way into, and hopefully out of, the rhino's territory. Another possibility is that the impala died of natural causes, or from disease, and the bones were scattered by scavenging birds or animals. Morani could probably handle any small scavenger, but a group of larger carnivores could be a danger to him, being the laid-back guy he is.
Morani Eats, 2006.
(Left) Sammy the guard gives Morani a tasty aloe for breakfast. (Above left) An branch of Acacia drepanolobium, with its thorns and galls and narrow leaflets, is a favorite food of rhinos. (Above right) Not knowing what Morani prefers for breakfast, I get into the feeding act, trying to entice Morani with a morsel of herbs (photo by Joanne Ferri).
Sammy and Morani (left), Following Morani (above), 2006.
(Left) Sammy the guard is one of Morani's devoted 24/7 armed guards. Morani is constantly monitored, left alone only when he naps. (Above left) Where Morani goes, we follow. Part of our research, we spent the entire morning following and observing Morani. (Above right) Being the inquisitive type that I am, I'd walk alongside the huge rhino while he ambles on to his next destination. Joanne kindly photographed me doing this (photo by Joanne Ferri).
Morani's Midden, 2006.
While we were observing his behavior, a few wide-eyed tourists were witness to some of Morani's instinctive behavior: spraying, drinking, and a visit to his midden - his toilet area. Rhinos use the same middens over and over in order to maintain their presence within their territory. I actually have a nice short video of his dumping, if anyone is interested. After defecating, the rhino will rub its feet in the fresh dung and, while walking around, leave their scent wherever they wander. After all, it is his house.
Morani, 2006.
(Left*) Morani eats some long stem grass, still groggy from our awakening him. Sammy had to wake him up for our observations, otherwise he may have kept dozing all morning. At he's least standing up. (Above) Morani and us, a group portrait of Joanne, myself, and the star of the day.
Morani Drinking, 2006*. As with the other animals in the Sweetwaters Game Reserve, Morani is provided with a permanent water supply in the form of a concrete trough. We were lucky to observe such a wide variety of behavior on our morning with Morani. He is quite the celebrity and a bit of a snob.
Morani Phlegmming, 2006*. A quirky sniff by rhinos is known as "phlegmming," or "flegmming." Whenever a rhino comes across the scent of another animal, it takes a huge whiff, tilts its head back and sort of 'gargles' with the scent, as if ensuring that it gets deep into the nasal passages. Maybe it's a way of finding a female in estrus, provided a female sprayed his tree.
Morani Lays Down, 2006*.
After a hour or so of activity, the exhausted Morani decides to go back to one of his beds and lay down, but instead of laying in the shade, he picks out a place in the warm sun to snooze. (Above*) A Holga panoramic of the snoozing Morani, four frames shot in succession.
