Orphaned baby rhino receives specialised care in Mpumalanga
A rhino calf whose mother was killed by suspected poachers near Middelburg has been named Owhati after her parents.
The rhino calf was orphaned after suspected poachers killed her mother earlier this week has safely arrived at a rehabilitation centre, reports Middelburg Observer.
The update comes as community members continue to offer support to the owners of UBhetyan-O-Africa, where the female rhino was shot and dehorned on Tuesday night (July 22).
Reserve owners Susan and Deon Cornelius confirmed to the Middelburg Observer that the calf, now named Owhati, is receiving specialised care.
Owhati’s name combines those of her parents, Owedru and Behati.
Fighting chance
Following the poaching incident, readers from across the community contacted the owners to offer donations, financial assistance and messages of support.
Susan and Deon said the past few days have been incredibly difficult. While they are devastated by the loss of Behati, they are relieved that Owhati is safe.
Looking after an orphaned rhino calf is costly.
Owhati requires specialised milk costing more than R1 000 per day, while veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, transport and additional security continue to place financial pressure on the reserve.
Relocation of remaining rhinos
Conservation organisation WeWild Africa has offered to assist with relocating the reserve’s remaining rhinos to a more secure location.
Several adult rhinos and calves will be moved as part of the operation, which will require specialised transport, veterinary support, security, and large quantities of feed and hay.
The relocation follows this week’s poaching incident.
Owhati’s future
Less than a month ago, Susan and Deon welcomed the little rhino. Today, Owhati is growing up without her mother.
“Our focus now is keeping her healthy while we prepare to relocate the reserve’s remaining rhinos to safety.” they said.
Police arrested two suspects and allegedly recovered two fresh rhino horns, a hunting rifle and live ammunition from a vehicle on the N12 near Phola/Ogies off-ramp on Tuesday (July 22).
They were expected to appear in Ogies court yesterday (July 24) on charges of illegal possession of products from a protected species, the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
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