Save Orphaned and Injured Rhinos

Thanks to your incredible support, Care for Wild was able to respond to urgent rescues and provide life-saving care to a critically injured calf. Your generosity has been instrumental in giving these vulnerable rhinos a second chance at life.

A New Year’s Rescue: Nola and Cathy

On December 31st, the Care for Wild team received an emergency call from Kruger National Park about a female calf, later named Nola, who lost her mother to poachers on Christmas Day. The Kruger ground team, led by Section Ranger Greg Bond, had been searching tirelessly for days before locating her. Due to her size, Nola could not fit inside the helicopter and was instead sedated and airlifted, suspended by ropes, to Care for Wild’s Juvenile Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Upon arrival, Petronel and the team worked through the night, administering IV fluids and stabilizing her condition.

Just hours later, on January 1st, another call came through about Cathy, a second orphaned calf found near Malelane. Cathy’s mother had been killed by poachers the previous night. Pilot Ian de Beer and veterinarian Dr. Peter Buss, accompanied by Kruger’s Head Ranger Cathy Dreyer, transported her to Care for Wild. Cathy was carefully lowered onto a vehicle and taken to the ICU, where she received immediate care and monitoring.

Both calves have since joined Dianna’s crash, a group of previously rescued rhinos. Known for her gentle and nurturing nature, Dianna welcomed Nola and Cathy with calmness and compassion. This companionship is essential, as orphaned rhinos between 12 and 24 months often suffer from severe depression and refuse to eat after losing their mothers. With the support of Dianna’s crash, Nola and Cathy have begun the first steps in their rehabilitation journey.

Hercules’ Continued Fight for Survival

In October 2024, Hercules, a two-week-old white rhino calf, was found critically injured after surviving a brutal hyena attack. His injuries included fractures, crush injuries, and severe infections, requiring intensive care in our ICU. His treatment involved innovative veterinary interventions, such as regular blood tests, bacterial cultures, X-rays, and specialized wound management.

A critical moment came when Hercules’ dangerously low albumin levels necessitated an urgent plasma transfusion. Blood was collected from Hawk, a rehabilitated and rewilded rhino orphan, and processed overnight before being administered the next morning. The transfusion helped stabilize Hercules, supporting tissue repair and wound healing.

In addition to medical care, Hercules’ emotional well-being has been a priority. Stress management plays a vital role in recovery, so the team provided companionship, fresh air, and enrichment. Since his bandages prevented natural mud wallowing, the team applied protective film to his bandages and covered them with mud by hand to mimic natural behavior.

Recently, Hercules has begun short walks outside the ICU to improve blood flow, reduce muscle stiffness, and stimulate his mind. These walks also allow him to start grazing, an essential part of his recovery. Although Hercules has shown significant improvement, the extent of the long-term impact of his injuries remains uncertain. However, the Care for Wild team remains committed to providing the best possible care for his full recovery.

Thank You

Your support has made these rescues and recoveries possible. From Nola and Cathy’s first steps toward rehabilitation to Hercules’ remarkable fight for survival, your contributions are truly life-changing. We are deeply grateful for your compassion and dedication to protecting these precious animals.