The Rhino Orphanage has been very busy with new additions to its rhino family. Despite the tragedy of these babies’ circumstances, this is the beginning of their triumph stories!
Undisclosed Location, South Africa (18 March 2024) — Following the special news that the Rhino Orphanage took in an older rhino earlier this year, more little rhinos (including another older boy) have joined the TRO family.
The news is always bittersweet. While the circumstances that lead to orphan status differ, they often involve incidents of poaching. But on the other hand, knowing that they are now under the protection of their new family at the orphanage definitely tips the scales in favour of good news.
As such, March came with a series of rescues that saw a trio of young rhinos being welcomed to the Rhino Orphanage.
A slightly older bull (between 1.5 to 2 years) who is yet to be named, was left orphaned after a terrible case of poaching that left him on his own. The youngster would easily have become lion’s prey had the rescue team not intervened when they did, though his rescue was hardly smooth as he kept disappearing in his distress. Thankfully, on 9 March, he was safely in the team’s care with a relatively good bill of health despite a lion claw marking. Considering he survived all on his own for a week, this little one has another mark—that of bravery.
In the time that he has been with TRO, he has not only had to navigate new surroundings and calves but a world without his mother (who he is said to have been looking for constantly). But hope is on the cards that he will integrate with all the other rhinos soon.
Shortly after his rescue, another younger rhino waddled into the orphanage, and his name is Tyson!
Little Tyson isn’t even a year old yet, but he has already had a very unique life. Raised by a vet and his wife since 2023, the little boy survived thanks to their kindness as his mama couldn’t produce milk.
Tyson is already well acquainted with the company of sheep thanks to the couple who took him in, and so his new life at the Rhino Orphanage is looking steady (he has already met Mpho and Mahlatsi!).
The most recent arrival has been a tiny girl, who was reportedly stuck in a game reserve’s mudwallow. With no other rhinos in sight, the little calf who is not even a week old yet, needed immediate help.
But, the rhino’s angels wasted no time in making sure that help was on the way, and as of a few hours ago, she was given her meds, treated for dehydration and began the trek to her new home.
You can follow each of these stories on the Facebook page, the team will continue to share updates on each case.
Sources: The Rhino Orphanage
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