Save Orphaned and Injured Rhinos

Thank You for Standing With Us

Because of you, we’ve rescued, healed, and protected vulnerable rhinos when they needed us most.

Victoria’s Rescue: A Battle for Life

On the night of 29 June, a tiny, critically injured rhino calf arrived at Care for Wild. Found lying helplessly in the bush, she was completely alone, unable to stand, dangerously underweight, and suffering from severe hypothermia. Her body was covered in wounds, and she had lost everything, including her mother.

She was taken into our ICU, where Petronel and the team worked tirelessly through the night. Warm IV fluids were administered to raise her body temperature, and she was fitted with a blindfold and earplugs to reduce environmental stress. When wildlife veterinarian Dr. Chris Smith arrived, he conducted a full assessment and X-rays revealed the extent of her injuries: puncture wounds to her abdomen and mouth and several broken ribs. 

Her condition was so fragile that she needed round-the-clock feeds every 2–3 hours. Over time, her strength began to return. As she stabilised, she was moved into the Juvenile High-Care Unit, where she is continuing her recovery in a warm, quiet space with dedicated caregivers by her side.

Now named Victoria for her strength and courage, she is beginning to show a spark in her eyes, her appetite has improved, and her wounds are healing. The bond she’s building with her caregivers is critical to both her physical and emotional recovery.

Your support gave Victoria the second chance she so desperately needed.

 Tippie & Takazani : The Power of Collaboration 

On 10 May, a small white rhino calf was spotted wandering alone in southern Mozambique, frightened, dehydrated, and clearly alone. Her life was at immediate risk.

Thanks to a remarkable collaboration between the Mozambique Wildlife Alliance, ANAC, SANParks, and Kruger National Park, teams quickly mobilised. Within hours, complex cross-border logistics were navigated, permits, veterinary clearance, and safe transport to bring her to Care for Wild.

Shortly after arrival, Tippie met Takazani, another recently rescued calf. The bond between them was almost instant. They began sleeping side by side, grazing together, and offering each other gentle comfort. For orphaned animals dealing with deep trauma, companionship like this is vital.

Thanks to your support, Tippie and Takazani are now on the road to recovery together.

 Maximus: Airlifted to Safety After a Hyena Attack

On 17 July at 15:10, Care for Wild received an urgent call: a young rhino calf had been discovered in the wild with devastating injuries after a hyena attack. With the sun quickly setting, there was no time to waste.

At nearly two years old, the calf was too large to fit inside a helicopter. So, under the direction of the Kruger veterinarian and pilots, the decision was made to airlift him using suspension ropes. This method is used in emergencies and requires a highly skilled pilot and synchronized air-ground communication.

He was safely delivered to our Juvenile High-Care Unit, where Dr. Chris Smith and the team immediately began treating his severe tail injury. The hyenas had bitten through the tail base, exposing him to a serious risk of infection and long-term complications.

Maximus, as he is now named, has since undergone three veterinary procedures. He is receiving strong pain management, advanced wound care, and regular veterinary follow-ups. Despite the trauma, Maximus is showing tremendous resilience and is slowly adjusting to his new environment.

His life was saved because expert teams were ready and because you helped ensure we had the resources in place.

Hercules Update

Hercules, rescued in October 2024, continues to recover after suffering horrific injuries from a hyena attack. Multiple bite wounds, fractures, and crush injuries to his leg and jaw meant he spent months in our ICU undergoing intensive treatments.

Earlier this year, he graduated to our larger rehabilitation facility where he could be closer to other animals. However, due to extensive scar tissue on his front leg, Hercules still needs ongoing physical therapy and specialist care to improve his mobility.

What has made his recovery extra special is his friendship with Phil, a sweet and gentle sheep, and Peggy Sue, an orphaned foal. These three have become inseparable, offering comfort and companionship that has supported Hercules in ways no medicine ever could.

Thanks to your generosity, Hercules has the care he needs to continue healing.

Your Support Is Their Lifeline

Over the last three months, you’ve helped us:

• Respond to multiple emergency rescues, including airlifts and cross-border operations.

• Provide 24/7 care to severely injured calves like Victoria and Maximus.

• Continue vital rehabilitation and therapy for long-term survivors like Hercules.

With several new orphans in care and others still healing, we are more grateful than ever for your continued support. You make every rescue, every recovery, and every rhino’s future possible.