An incredible team made a life-saving surgery possible for little white rhino Binti; an orphaned tot in the care of The Rhino Orphanage.
Pretoria, South Africa (28 November 2024) — A little white rhino named Binti went through a serious ordeal recently; much to the worry of her family at non-profit organisation, The Rhino Orphanage. But, thanks to an incredible veterinary team at the University of Pretoria’s Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, the young rhino was able to undergo life-saving surgery!
The worrying started when Binti began exhibiting severe abdominal pain and refused to drink from her milk bottle—something a young rhino requires in abundance for their growth.
This went on for two days before urgent action was taken and Binti was referred for treatment. Rushed to Onderstepoort, the team of veterinary experts immediately began working on figuring out what was wrong with Binti. It was discovered that a serious gastrointestinal blockage had occured, and the team knew they needed to act fast.
Surgery ensued to explore her abdomen and identify the direct cause of her distress. This was an exploratory laparotomy that saw Dr Elza Hollenbach, Dr Yolandi Smith and Sister Adelle Rossouw on hand as well as an anaesthesiology team of Dr Chris Blignaut and Sister Celine Lamprecht. Guiding the mission was specialist wildlife veterinarian and wildlife health expert, Professor Katja Koeppel.
“The team discovered that the calf was suffering from a colon impaction, a condition commonly seen in horses,” explains Dr Hollenbach. “The blockage in the large intestine was successfully removed, and the small intestine was decompressed.”
After the surgical site was carefully closed, the little white rhino was given time to rest and recuperate. Soon thereafter, she was alert and hungry once again!
Post-surgery saw just as much care sent Binti’s way, with Dr Graeme Piketh ensuring that she got all the necessary IV fluids, antibiotics and pain relief she needed. It was only a matter of days before she was able to return home, where she is now happily thriving once again.
“This successful intervention not only saved the life of this young rhino calf but also represents a crucial step in the conservation of the critically endangered white rhino species,” adds Dr Blignaut.
“As the calf matures, she will have the potential to contribute to the survival of her species by becoming a breeding female. Every life saved plays an important role in the ongoing effort to protect these majestic creatures.”
Sources: Supplied—University of Pretoria
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 