Balu and Stompi were both found guarding their poached mothers 5-years-ago; taken to a sanctuary, the rhino orphans were raised to be released.
Hoedspruit, South Africa (06 November 2020) – Balu and Stompi, two orphaned rhino found in Greater Kruger after both their mothers were poached, have been released back into the wild. The pair were both rescued around the same time, both just under a year old; they became best friends and to this day, remain inseparable.
Stompi was found standing near his mother, exhausted after having fought off a predator, most likely a hyena. In his fight for survival, he lost his tail which is how he got his name. Balu was found in time, he too was traumatised but thankfully was rescued unscathed.
The pair were taken care of at Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) where they have lived for the last five years. Justin Sullivan, wildfire and conservation photographer and filmmaker, shared their heartwarming story with us saying that the significance of this story is that very seldomly do orphaned rhinos ever make it back into the ‘open system’ / wild. This operation is hopefully going to inspire and pave the way for many more rehabilitation stories like this.
“They are currently feeding very well, terrified of Elephants and Kudu, but they will get used to them eventually. They like zebras because they had an enclosure right next to Zebras at HESC
“There will be continuous post monitoring to ensure they remain healthy for the immediate future. Fortunately, the Lowveld experienced early rains this year and the bush has exploded in a beautiful green with ample food reserves around.”
Take a look at their release below.
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