Baraka, whose name means "blessing" in Swahili, is a blind black rhino living at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. Born on 20th Nov, 1994 in the wild within the boundaries of what is now the conservancy, Baraka lived a free and natural life until tragedy struck. He lost sight in one eye due to a fight with another rhino, and later went completely blind from a cataract in the other eye.
With his blindness making it impossible for him to survive alone in the wild, the team at Ol Pejeta made the compassionate decision to bring him into a secure enclosure within the conservancy. Today, Baraka serves a vital role as an ambassador for his species. He is a living symbol of resilience and the impact of conservation, allowing visitors—especially school children—to get close to a black rhino and learn about the challenges rhinos face due to poaching and habitat loss.
Baraka’s story is not only touching but also educational, highlighting both the fragility and strength of wildlife, and the importance of protecting Africa’s remaining rhinos for future generations.