The team at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary celebrated a huge milestone this week, as seven orphaned rhino calves took their next big step out in the wild!
Mpumalanga, South Africa (08 December 2025) – The young crash of seven – Sophia, Sparkle, Mayar, Blossom, Kai, Willow and Solana – have been released into the sanctuary’s large Intensive Protection Zone, where they will begin the next phase of their rewilding.
They have been under the specialised care of Care for Wild for years – the world’s largest orphan rhino sanctuary that focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, rewilding, and protecting orphaned and injured rhinos.
“Over the coming weeks and months, these young rhinos will explore new landscapes, experience unfamiliar scents and sounds, discover the river they’ll drink from, and learn to navigate the complex social dynamics of established rhino crashes, including the presence of dominant bulls.” shares Care for Wild.
Petronel Nieuwoudt, who has dedicated her life to protecting rhinos, shares the milestone moment on camera.
“Our goal for every orphan rescued is simple in vision yet complex in reality, to see them wild and free again, living as the rhinos they were always meant to be.” shares the organisation.
Rehabilitation and rewilding are lengthy processes that require extended care and gradual work over time in order for rhino calves to survive and then adjust to the wilderness where they belong. It can take years to restore their strength, confidence, behaviour and natural instincts at a pace that sets them up for long-term survival.
“Rewilding begins long before a rhino ever leaves the rehabilitation facility. As the orphans progress, they move into larger veld camps, reduce contact with people and start forming their own social groups. Although still monitored closely, they begin living more independently with minimal human influence.” shares the organisation.
Once rhinos are physically ready, the season is right, and there’s natural food availability, they’re moved one step closer to the wilderness by entering the Intensive Protection Zone. They share this large space with other rhinos and wildlife, and it’s where they start to find their feet without their dedicated caregivers.
“Here, responsibility shifts from caregivers to our rangers and rhino monitors, who will protect them and closely observe their progress. Rewilding is never an overnight process. It is a slow, deliberate transition marked by dozens of small but vital milestones.” shares Care for Wild.
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