Every heartbeat matters! This team of rhino rescuers jumped into action to save a tiny zebra foal and help it reunite with its mom in the most heartwarming reunion!
Mpumalanga, South Africa (07 January 2026) – While their mission is centred on protecting our endangered horned beauties, the hearts of the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary team know no bounds, and their eyes never turn a blind eye to a life in need.
These wildlife heroes recently jumped into action to rescue a tiny zebra foal that had been struggling in a body of water and rushed him to their Intensive Care Unit.
“He was thoroughly dried and warmed, treated for shock, and his bleeding umbilical cord was carefully attended to,” Care for Wild shares.
“Our team also checked his lungs to ensure he had not inhaled any water. While this care was underway, our rangers and drone team were already out searching for his herd. After several hours, they were located, and their position was relayed back to the team.”
The foal, affectionately named Piano, was then transported back to the Intensive Protection Zone, close to where his mother had last been seen. Unlike in the common cases of orphaned rhinos, this little zebra’s mother was still alive, giving the Care for Wild team a beautiful chance to reunite them.
“To reduce any human scent and improve his chances of being accepted, he was rubbed with zebra dung before we withdrew, leaving one ranger at a distance to monitor the situation. It wasn’t long before the foal began calling, and soon his mother and the rest of the herd appeared.”
The herd moved from thick bush into a clearing, and the team was able to capture a small amount of footage in a shared video to complete his story.
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Piano has since been sighted multiple times during security patrols, living happily and safely with his mom!
“As a registered wildlife rehabilitation centre, our core purpose is always to return animals safely to the wild whenever possible. Seeing this little foal back with his mother, where he belongs, was a moment of true joy for the entire team.”
Now that’s a precious, perfect wildlife reunification!
Sources: Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary
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