Durban — A white rhino calf losing her condition is now in the hands of Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary so she can be with other rhinos of a similar age and receive the necessary supportive care she still needs.
Care for Wild reported that a newly rescued orphan had arrived at the sanctuary.
Care for Wild said a white rhino orphan calf estimated to be between 14 and 16 months old arrived at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary.
The sanctuary explained that rangers in the Greater Hoedspruit area last captured an image of the mother with the calf on a camera trap in early August, however, recent photos over the past few weeks showed the calf walking with a bull rhino.
It said juvenile orphans sometimes try to join another rhino if their mother has been killed.
“Rangers monitored her closely but recently observed that she was losing condition. The decision was made to bring her to Care for Wild, where she can be with other rhinos of a similar age and receive the necessary supportive care she still needs,” Care for Wild said.
The sanctuary thanked Rhino Revolution and Remembering Wild along with veterinarians Dr Joel Alves (@the_conservation_vet) and Dr Bart Gazendam (@vetbart) and pilot Gerry McDonald (@gerryheli) as always for their dedication, perseverance and effort to retrieve this little one and bring her to safety.
On Tuesday, Care for Wild said: “Our newest rescued orphan is already benefiting from the love and support of our incredible Dianna.”
It explained that orphaned calves over a year old can struggle immensely to adjust to life without their moms. Sometimes they refuse to eat and fall into a life-threatening depression. This is when other rhinos can play an important supportive role in the adaptation phase of a new calf.
Dianna, an orphan too, is one of the most empathetic and supportive rhinos at Care for Wild.
“When a juvenile rescue arrives, we rely heavily on her compassion and care to help the new arrival settle. Dianna is able to instil calmness and confidence which reduces the stress and uncertainty felt by newly orphaned calves. She is a miracle worker,” Care for Wild said.
“Dianna was introduced to our new rescue along with her previous two “adopted” calves, Bavati and recently rescued, Skye. Within minutes the three youngsters were following Dianna around the boma and fell asleep altogether.”
Care for Wild said this is a significant step and an important element of this new orphans’ rehabilitation journey.