TRAC extends sponsorship to another two young rhino

MBOMBELA – Three orphans at Care for Wild Africa will undergo another year of intense rehabilitation, thanks to a very generous donation from TRAC N4.

The road company has extended its sponsorship for Wyntir, a seriously injured rhino orphan and two of her friends, Tana and Mabush.

Graham Esterhuysen, TRAC CEO, handed over a cheque worth R120 000 to Petronel Niewoudt of Care for Wild Africa at a press conference during Innibos last Friday.

Wyntir has become somewhat of an animal celebrity due to her tragic story. Her mother was poached for her horn last year and baby Wyntir was critically injured during the ordeal, after which hyenas ravaged her ears. The severely dehydrated and anaemic orphan was rescued and taken to the rehabilitation centre near Mbombela where she would be nursed back to health.

Representatives of TRAC visited the farm and heard about the immense cost of maintaining the animal. “As part of our policy, we try to give back to the community as much as possible,” said Esterhuysen. “When we heard about Wyntir, we knew this would be the perfect recipient for a donation.”

TRAC sponsored a large sum to aid in Wyntir’s recovery. The subadult rhino gained a friend, Tana, another orphaned female, to whom she was introduced at the end of last year. The two became as thick as thieves and their friendship sped up both of their recovery processes. A few months later a male rhino, Mabush, was welcomed to the group. Because of the troop’s remarkable recovery, and Wyntir’s inextinguishable will to live, TRAC decided to extend its much-needed sponsorship for another year.

“Care for Wild Africa would never be able to survive without the help of major companies such as TRAC,” said a beaming Niewoudt at the event.

“Their contribution is of immeasurable value and with more partnerships like this, we will be able to host and nurse numerous more orphans.”