A new trio of cuteness at The Rhino Orphanage has our hearts melting. Two survivors, little Mpho and Mahlatsi have started to bond with one another under the careful watch of their nanny, Flenters the sheep:
South Africa (07 December 2023) — There’s a new trio on the block at The Rhino Orphanage (TRO); a union of hope, cuteness and all things wholesome.
Rhino calves Mpho and Mahlatsi are two youngsters who have slowly become new friends under the guidance of their trusty nanny, Flenters the sheep. Both had endured significant tribulations in their short lives, but with each passing day, they got stronger and now, more socially active.
What started as some tension as the two got used to one another initially, has turned into a special bond as the two stars of TRO find comfort and family in one another.
Watch: Mpho and Mahlatsi in Adorable Action
You might be wondering where the third member of the trio, Flenters is in the above clip. Well, as any good nanny would, Flenters happened to be behind the scenes but a coin’s throw away, surveying the scene and keeping an eye on the calves as TRO shares.
Why Bonds Like This Are a Triumph
For young mammals like elephants and rhinos, socialisation is very important for development and overall contentment. As many wildlife rescues are discovered on their own (often because their parents are killed by poachers) their rehabilitation journey must see them learn to re-socialise so that they can bond as they would have.
Good Things Guy have kept our eyes close on newcomer, little Mpho’s journey, as we do with many other wildlife orphans on their road beyond rescue. Mpho was a tiny calf who was found on her own at a private game reserve by rangers. At only a few days old, she needed immediate help to become rehydrated and healthy again. After several months at TRO, we’re happy to report that she has grown beautifully.
As for Mahlatsi, this is the latest TRO rescue, and quite a rare member of the family (which says a lot considering the plight all rhino species face). A white rhino calf, Mahlatsi, was spotted by chance from a helicopter, helplessly alongside her mother’s carcass. Despite her injuries likely caused by other wildlife predators, she survived and now continues her new chapter.
Both girls will hopefully find solace in each other as they become adults and trot on as real-life examples of human intervention for good.
You can support their journeys to adulthood as well as those of other rhinos in TRO’s care, here!
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