Though severely weakened, one baby rhino continues to defy expectations with his deceiving strength, while the Rhino Orphanage team works tirelessly to treat and give him a second chance.
Limpopo, South Africa (30 July 2025) – The dedicated team at the Rhino Orphanage set out on a heartfelt five-hour journey to rescue a vulnerable five-month-old rhino calf that had suffered a hind leg injury, reported just last Friday.
Once there, on first observation with vet Dr Ben Uys, it was clear that there was some underlying condition, and that this was a very sick baby boy.
“The calf was taken for x-rays and had been brought to TRO for intensive treatment. The sore leg was bandaged, and luckily looks like there are no fractures or breaks,” The Rhino Orphanage said.
The team has since been working tirelessly to treat the calf, which had been suffering severe fever, balance issues, laboured breathing and inappetence.
After considering all the symptoms Dr Pierre diagnosed the problem as a viral meningitis or a neurotropic virus, a life threatening infection for the poor calf.
“Doc has put the baby on a course of medications and performed a plasma transfusion to boost his chances.
“Baby also received many litres of IV fluids to rehydrate him. Our team noticed the onset of impaction colic and acted swiftly with supportive treatment. A very empty stomach indicates that the young boy hasn’t eaten properly in the last few days, and blood results revealed damage to his kidney function.”
Despite this little guy’s critical condition, he continues to fight hard in the care of a dedicated wildlife team that is doing everything to treat him.
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“Some symptoms have improved ever so slightly, and he is deceivingly strong for his weakened condition,” the organisation shared in an update.
From spending hours on the road to working day and night to treat this calf, we’re in awe of this team’s efforts, which offer a beacon of hope that this precious life will return to good health.
Sources: The Rhino Orphanage
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