Balega who has been very mistrusting of humans since his rescue, loved his recent mud wallow and brush down by the staff at the orphanage.
Undisclosed Location, South Africa (02 February 2023) – Who doesn’t love a spa day? The rhino orphans at The Rhino Orphanage adore them! They love the mud which is essential for keeping their skin protected and making any mud bath better, receiving a sensational brush down.
One lucky rhino calf recently got a muddy spa day at the Rhino Orphanage to help protect his skin from the heat of the day and the already baking sun. Balega found a perfectly muddy patch and had a glorious roll-around, much to the delight of the onlooking staff.
Balega arrived at the orphanage in early December 2022. His name, an isiZulu one, meaning to move with great speed or run very fast, was earned because after he was darted, he continued to move with great speed. His rescue vet had the honour of bestowing the name and it is one he is living up to.
Balega has been a feisty boy, making the staff bring out their trusty cricket shinpads when working with him. His initial aggression towards his human carers can only mean that he witnesses something deeply traumatic at the hands of a human. Thankfully, he has warmed to his carers and allows them to work with him when it comes to feeding time. He made it very clear though, that he doesn’t need any humans to keep him company at night, preferring to sleep away from them.
He was paired up with orphan Benji, who we featured back in September 2022 after he also had a delightfully muddy spa day. The pair have become fast friends, taking part in morning zoomies around their paddock, sleeping side-by-side for afternoon naps and
The Rhino Orphanage takes care of all the calves left behind due to poaching. These young rhinos often need 24-hour specialised care, which is why they are taken from the wild and cared for at the orphanage. They would not survive out in the wild on their own.
Arrie van Deventer founded the Rhino Orphanage in 2012. The orphanage takes in young rhinos, rehabilitates them and then releases them back into the wild when they are ready. The facility became the world’s first rhino orphanage.
Since then, they have saved countless young rhinos and returned them back to the wild. The team dedicates itself entirely to the cause, working day and night to be there for the scared young souls.
Take a look at Balega’s spa day below. Just look at the joy on his face.
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