New rhino calf makes friends at sanctuary

A rhino calf that was born to two orphaned rhinos at the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary recently is doing well and making new friends.

The calf’s mother, named Olive by the sanctuary, was orphaned at just 10 months of age due to a poaching incident that killed her mother. Nine years later, Olive became a mother herself, giving birth to a calf in the safety of Care for Wild last Thursday morning, August 11.

ALSO READ: Rhino poaching numbers increase from 2021

The sanctuary has been providing constant updates on the new calf, and reported on its page that 24 hours after his birth, he was drinking and Olive was coping.

“She is already proving to be an amazing mother. Attentive and protective,” said the sanctuary in its post. “Unlike Wyntir and River [other rhino mothers at the sanctuary] who both isolated from the rest of the rhinos after giving birth, Olive remains close to her friend, Timbi, for now.”

ALSO READ: WATCH: New calf born at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary

In another update on its page, 48 hours after the calf’s birth, Care for Wild said the calf had met his big brother, Pebble, who is five months old.

“Until Thursday [August 11], Pebble was the smallest calf walking around the intensive protection zone. Now he has a little brother and suddenly Pebble seems huge.

“While the youngsters have different mothers, they share the same father, Storm. Pebble is so curious but so gentle, and almost a little unsure.
“It’s amazing to see how tolerant Olive is in allowing Pebble close to her tiny baby. Other than Timbi, Olive does not allow any other adult rhinos close to her new son. She is incredibly attentive and fiercely protective,” said Care for Wild.

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