Little Nova embraces his new life
Another young rhino arrives at local care centre.
NELSPRUIT – Nova, meaning young or new, is an apt name for the latest orphaned rhino calf to join the centre at Care for Wild Africa.
This three-month-old male from Limpopo was left motherless a few weeks ago. He is unlike any of the other calves they have in their care, said Care for Wild founder, Ms Petronel Niewoudt.
“He just wants to kiss everybody!” she said of this loving youngster. In general, the calves arrive at the centre suffering from trauma and mistrust of humans, but not this little one.
Niewoudt was surprised when he started rubbing against her affectionately within hours of his arrival.
By day two, he was introduced to other recent arrivals, Satara and Tana (both female), and he had nothing but love and kisses to dish out, in contrast to the usual aggressive stance young rhino take during the first meeting with other calves.
It is, Niewoudt described, as if he had completely accepted his fate and was wholly embracing his new live at the centre.
Nova is the 11th calf she and her team have taken into their care.
Care for Wild Africa raises funds privately to look after the orphaned rhino in their care. In some cases, where privately owned, the care is funded, but they receive no contribution for calves from national parks.
They currently face expenses in excess of R6 000 per week, Niewoudt admitted. “Yes, we do appeal to the Lowveld public to assist where possible,” she added and mentioned the recent generosity of individuals that had sponsored lucerne for the older rhino. They had also received a donation of poles toward the construction of another boma. With 293 known rhino poached in 2014 already, the expectation is that the number of oprhans will not decrease soon.
Five simple steps – How you can help:
1. Approach your friends, family members, church or school group and raise R813
2. Visit Midfeeds at 36 Waterfall St, Nelspruit
3. Purchase Denkovit milk powder for foals (15 kg)
4. Deliver the donation to Care for Wild Africa OR leave it at Midfeeds for collection
5. Let us know via Laevelder/Lowvelder Facebook of your contribution.
Don’t miss this opportunity to donate toward the care of orphaned rhino at Care for Wild Africa
On June 28 the Rock 4 Rhino concert will feature superstars Dire Straits as part of its line-up. Also on stage will be Arno Carstens, Iso, Matthew Mole, our own Lara Gear and Bedouin Sea.
The concert takes place in Centurion at SuperSport Park. Gates open at 14:00.
Buy your tickets online
All proceeds will go toward Care for Wild Africa.
