After many drips and transfusions, hope has emerged for a baby rhino, found alone and severely emaciated in the Greater Kruger region. Her promising recovery is all thanks to the swift action and the expert teamwork of those dedicated to giving this baby a second chance.
Mpumalanga, South Africa (24 June 2025) – Last week, Petronel Nieuwoudt and her dedicated team at the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary received an urgent call from the northern region of Greater Kruger concerning a baby rhino calf that was found alone, severely emaciated, and barely moving.
Without hesitation, reserve rangers and veterinarian Dr Ben Muller were immediately deployed to assess the situation and try to save the calf, which was found in extremely poor condition. She was successfully loaded into a vehicle, and emergency first aid was administered to stabilise her for the journey back to Care for Wild, where Petronel, rangers and volunteers were ready to receive her at the rhino Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The team remained by the rescue’s side, giving her the comfort and care she so desperately needed.
Veterinarian Dr Chris Smith joined the ICU team that had begun the triage process: cleaning her eyes, fitting a new blindfold and earplugs, administering intravenous fluids, drawing blood samples, and slowly warming her fragile body.
Now, a few days later, after tireless efforts, the sanctuary’s newest rescued calf is standing and has started drinking water on her own!
“It’s a big and meaningful step forward,” Care for Wild shared in a latest update.
“She’s estimated to be around 12 months old, weighing between 350–400kg. At this size, she requires the very minimum of 35–40 litres of fluid each day, even more for her due to the severe dehydration. While we use 3-litre rhino-sized drip bags for IV infusion, fully rehydrating a rhino of this size can be a challenge,” Care for Wild said.
However, the fact that she’s standing and drinking has given her carers, who have committed to giving her every possible chance, all the hope that she will come out stronger!
Thanks go out to every compassionate heart and expert hand that has given this precious baby rhino a second chance.
Sources: Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary
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