Here is “Banke”, one of the oldest rhinos in Dudhwa National Park. In the local language ‘Banke’ means ‘handsome and stud like'. Banke was about 4 years in 1984 and Hemrani was about 11 when brought to Dudhwa. Hemrani had given birth to five calves, fathered by Banke. At present, it's the fourth generation of Banke and Hemrani living in Dudhwa. In 1984. two males, Banke and Raju and three females Asha, Suheli and Savitri were brought to Dudhwa after being captured from forests surrounding Kaziranga, Assam. In a bid to claim supremacy, Banke killed Raju. Two females died within a year. In 1985, four females Hemrani, Pavitri, Swayamvara and Narayani were introduced in the group. Though Banke mated with all of them, he had the longest companionship with Hemrani, she died in 2014. The last of the three rhinos belonging to that period in time—Banke, Narayani and Swayamvara—remain in Dudhwa. Banke is the oldest of all. Now Bhimsen son of Banke has taken over.
This shot was taken day before yesterday on 18th May 2015. Nikon D 700, Nikor 24-120 F4, shot @ 120 mm F8, ISO 400, exposure 1/250s
Bookmarks