SKUKUZA – Two more rhino calves have been orphaned by poachers, but the future of at least one of them is looking bright, thanks to the goodwill of several humans and some loving care.
On Friday a visitor to the Kruger National Park (KNP) sounded the alarm that a rhino calf was wandering the S-3 road near the Phabeni Gate.
The little one was leaning against his vehicle and when it drove away, it actually uttered distressing calls and ran after the car. It was clear that it had either been abandoned by its mother or worse and more likely, orphaned by poaching.
The visitor alerted the KNP authorities and waited with the calf for help. It wasn’t long before the regional ranger of Marula South, Mr Don English, arrived with South African National Parks (SANParks) veterinarian surgeon, Dr Jenny Hewlett, section ranger of Pretoriuskop Mr Craig Williamson and field ranger Mr Jaco Moll.
According to English, it was clear that the mother must have died or was seriously injured. “Rhino mothers are very protective and would definitely storm anybody coming close to the little one. “After several hours of searching we found her carcass. She was indeed the victim of poachers,” he said.
English told Lowvelder that they had darted the baby for transportation to Care for Wild Africa wildlife rehabilitation centre.
During the flight the calf’s heart just stopped. The pilot had to make an emergency landing so that veterinary staff could resuscitate the little one. After about three minutes, everybody was amazed when it gasped for air and its heart started beating again. “I think we all had tears in our eyes,” English added.
They then proceeded to Care for Wild Africa where the calf is now in the capable hands of founder Ms Petronel Nieuwoudt.
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The team from SANParks was quite relieved when they could return to Skukuza.
Ms Marlene van der Merwe, spokesman for Care for Wild Africa, said the calf has been named Don and was doing well. The little bull is estimated to be about two months old. “It is being kept in the night den and is feeding well,” she said.
The general manager of communication and marketing in KNP, Mr William Mabasa said, “It is a wonderful story and Lowvelder is welcome to use it.
“In the light of World Ranger Day being celebrated on July 31, where will one get a better message to show the difference these dedicated people make in the war against rhino poaching, than saving the life of this little baby rhino?” Care for Wild received another rhino orphaned by poachers on Sunday.
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Estimated to be about six months old, this little bull from Lower Sabie in Kruger is not doing as well as Don.
“It is still in a crate and being given tranquillisers,” Van der Merwe said. “Although it had some milk yesterday and today (yesterday), it is reluctant to feed.” Fortunately, Nieuwoudt and her team are in high spirits and hopeful that this baby will soon come around.
“We are looking for a sponsor for this little one, which hasn’t been named yet. Those who are able to contribute towards its feeding and veterinary bills are welcome to contact us and we will decide on a name together,” Van der Merwe said.
Sponsors are also needed for the other orphaned rhinos at Care for Wild. Those interested in making a contribution can contact Van der Merwe on 082-822-1923.
