Rhino calf Lomshiyo, or Lomshi for short, died at the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary (CFW) on Monday morning. The sanctuary shared the heartbreaking news on its social media pages.
“Lomshi has always been a compromised and vulnerable calf. During the bitter cold of the recent weeks, he took a downward turn and despite the very best efforts of our vets and CFW team, Lomshi sadly passed away with his caregivers close by.
“While our hearts are heavy we know that we never gave up on this precious soul. May he rest in peace, forever free, the gentle boy we loved so much.”
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Lomshi arrived at CFW in September last year with, among others, a spinal injury. At the time, the team estimated him to be about 14 months of age.
He was first spotted alone at Renosterpan in the Kruger National Park after his mother was poached.
On the CFW website, Lomshiyo is defined as meaning “neglected one”, but the sanctuary has established a relationship with the Lomshiyo community and said this has now generated hope as well as a sustainable future for rhinos and people.
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Lomshi’s journey at CFW was one riddled with moments of joy and struggle with the passion and dedication of the team committed to his survival clearly portrayed throughout.
The other orphans at the sanctuary especially played a vital role in his time there.
“The degree of devastation, loss, fear, pain and sorrow in Lomshi’s story is equally as great as its degree of bravery, determination, inspiration, empathy and hope.
“Lomshi’s story gave us another new insight into the emotional connection between rhinos and the role that other orphans play in their recovery,” the sanctuary said.
