A newborn Rhinoceros in Uganda has been given a name Rae Ruparelia by Ruparelia Foundation trustees.
The naming ceremony took place at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola district where the sturdy calf was born last Saturday, bringing the population at the sanctuary to 34 rhinos
The 7-year-old mother rhino, Uhuru is already showing signs of good mothering, according to the statement from Rhino Fund Uganda.
“Mother and baby are doing well and need to rest after their exciting night,” said a statement by Rhino Fund Uganda.
The naming ceremony was carried out by Ruparelia Foundation on Thursday. The foundation was formed by Sudhir Ruparelia, Uganda’s top wealthy businessman.
The name was decided by Rajiv Ruparelia and wife Rae Naiya as one of the conservation strategy.
Rajiv the Managing Director of the Ruparelia empire urged the government of Uganda to incorporate tourism course into Uganda’s education curriculum right from lower classes if the country is to improve its tourism potential locally.
He said that there is a need for the next generation to learn and value the national parks and other protected national sites for the benefit of the country and the people of Uganda through earning livelihood.
He added that starting next year, Ruparelia foundation will embark on networking Uganda’s tourism assets to the international community with the view of making the country a hotspot for tourism destination globally.
The businessman also revealed that the Foundation has been able to pay USD 5000 (Approx.18m) to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary to acquire naming rights for the baby rhino it named after Rae Ruparelia
Angie Genade the Executive Director Rhino Fund Uganda said the fund is grateful for the Ruparelia foundation for partnering and naming the baby rhino.
Genade added that she wants the partnership to grow and Ruparelia Foundation to become the ambassadors of the rhino program.