Rescue and Recovery: Lone Rhino Calf Safeguarded by Joint Conservation Efforts

A couple of weeks ago, Dr Max Krings assisted Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife game capture unit with the response to reports of a new rhino orphan.

A small white rhino calf had been spotted by field rangers wandering around by itself. Dr. Krings, along with EKZNW’s game capture officer JP van Heerden, stalked the calf on foot until they were close enough to dart it successfully.

The calf was blindfolded and loaded onto the back of a land cruiser. Dr Krings secured an intravenous fluid line and administered fluids to rehydrate the calf. They then met up with the Zululand Rhino Orphanage in the park to load the calf into a secure trailer. The calf was then transported to their orphanage.

A couple of days later, Dr Krings and Dr Jen Lawrence visited the Zululand Rhino Orphanage to immobilize the calf as it was still very stressed and had not been suckling for three consecutive days.

Once immobilized, intravenous fluids and medication were administered. The orphan was then blindfolded and placed into a specialized recovery box. The calf started to suckle the next day and has adapted well to its new environment.

For further updates and information about the calf, follow Zululand Rhino Orphanage (@zululand_rhino_orphanage on Instagram) as their incredible team continues to care for this orphan and others.

Dr Jen Lawrence collaboratively sponsored by African Wildlife Vets and conservation_beyond_borders