Schofe was born just in time for World Rhino Day giving the Eastern Cape a second generation bundle of joy to watch grow up.
Schofe was born just in time for World Rhino Day. Born on 02 September 2017 and weighing approximately 45kg, the calf is named ‘Schofe’ after British TV host, Phillip Schofield, who was present on the day it was discovered that rhino mommy Themba was six months pregnant!
“It was surprisingly emotional being so close to a sleeping rhino and the news of her pregnancy gives us hope for their future” – Phillip Schofield
He further commented that it would be great if Themba had her baby on World Rhino Day. Born just days before World Rhino Day, the rhino calf came very close and was consequently named Schofe.
Both Schofe and Themba are doing well. They have already moved along several kilometres from the birthing place and, unusually for such a young calf, Schofe has already been introduced to other rhino. Schofe will stay with his mom for three years.
Schofe and his mother Themba were both born at the Amakhala Game Reserve (AGR). It has been an exciting occurrence for everyone that has been watching Themba grow up. Themba’s mother, Nomvula, still lives on AGR and hailed from Hluhluwe in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
The staff at the reserve were relieved when Schofe was born as Themba had been very ill in 2016 and was dropping weight.
“Themba was very ill. It’s the first time I have ever witnessed a rhino vomiting in my professional career as a wildlife veterinarian. Because of this she lost a lot of weight and we were worried that she could have died of secondary pneumonia”
“The two factors which I believe made the difference to Themba’s turnaround was the support from individuals and companies like Medivet and Karl Stors who loaned medical equipment and secondly her rhino companion Lindiwe, who stayed by her side throughout her recovery. Special moments that I am sure helped her cope with the stress of being so sick”. – Dr William Fowlds, Amakhala’s renowned wildlife vet
Dr William Fowlds shared a video on his Twitter of Schofe running around on World Rhino Day. The video shows just how beautiful and full of life the little bundle of joy is. Watch it below.
@Schofe met Themba during pregnancy. Mum and 'Schofe' both doing well! Run Rhino Run! #WorldRhinoDay 2/2 pic.twitter.com/KrnSubsz3z
— Dr Will Fowlds (@DrWillFowlds) September 22, 2017