Baby Rhno

The Endangered Species centre located an orphaned rhino in the mud late on Wednesday.

 

The baby rhino was found on a private nature reserve in the vicinity of the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, he was completely stuck in mud. It is suspected that his family left him behind when they could not free him.

Dr C. Steinmann and Janelle were called to rescue the young animal and bring him to the centre where he was immediately treated for dehydration, and given vitamin injections to boost his immune system.

This baby rhino is approximately two weeks old and weighs 50 kg. He’s been given the name ‘Muddy’ – for obvious reasons. As Muddy was clearly stuck in the mud for some time, his little feet are very soft. It will take a bit of time before they get back to normal. Thankfully they are already starting to dry out, despite him having been at HESC for not even a full day.

“We are happy to report that Muddy is doing well. He took to the bottle instantly and has been drinking 650 ml of milk every three hours.”

About three weeks ago the centre received another baby rhino. They have a resident pedi female sheep that acts as a surrogate to the babies who they look after when their mothers have been poached or they have been abandoned.

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This sheep is crucial for the babies as they cant have too close human contact. The challenge is that the sheep (her name is Lammie) can only “foster” one baby at a time and now they desperately need another female Pedi sheep to help be a surrogate for the latest baby.

“Muddy’s arrival has placed us in a difficult position. As Lammie is already stretched to capacity in her ‘mothering’ duties, we are in DIRE need of a pedi sheep to be a surrogate to this tiny orphan. We are once again turning to you, our community, to ask if anyone is able to assist us.”

“We are grateful for every bit of support, and although we ask for a lot, your continuous willingness to help us is humbling.”

If you have the ability to assist the centre, please contact Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre here.

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About the Author

Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy.

Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.

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