We had been canoeing in Chitwan National Park. We had just stepped out of the dugout canoe when we heard a shout. Our guide, Bishnu, came running out of the jungle to say that he had spotted our first rhino.
The irony of the situation was not lost on me. Having spent weeks in eastern Africa criss-crossing the national parks searching for the fascinating creatures but to no avail. Now, I was here in southern Nepal, and it felt as though they had come to find me!
Bishnu took off into the bushes, ordering us to follow him. He kept close to the river, often breaking into a run to get us there as soon as possible. We were that he had managed to spot the creature from such a distance.
Coming to a stop, we found ourselves peering down at the river from above the bank. There, in the middle of the shallow river, was a lone rhino. He ignored us, munching on weeds and grass with his giant head and horn underwater. It was quite an incredible sight, made even more special by being on foot. I could have spent hours looking at him (or her).
Throughout the morning’s game walk and the afternoon jeep safari, rhinos were the only mammals we saw (though we saw plenty of evidence of other animals). And there were so many! From a dark mass wading through high grass to a mother and baby a few hundred metres away, it seemed that they were everywhere.
The success of rhino conservation in Nepal is unsurprising. Nepal is a profoundly spiritual country with a high population of Hindus and Buddhists. Both religions value the sanctity of life and the pursuit of compassion. Today, there are over 550 rhinos in Chitwan National Park.
A global success
While some may be disappointed at only spotting rhinos on a full day in Chitwan National Park, I was delighted. Rhinos remain critically endangered, with few, according to the WWF, surviving outside of national parks. Still, in Chitwan National Park, they are thriving. This is a true success story which can hopefully be replicated elsewhere.
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