An orphaned rhino calf rescued from Marakele National Park in Limpopo has safely arrived at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary after a nearly 12-hour road journey and is settling into specialist care.

In a Facebook post, the sanctuary confirmed the female calf arrived at 23:30 yesterday (July 12) after its recovery team completed the lengthy rescue operation.

An initial estimate suggested the calf was about 12 months old. However, following a closer assessment at the sanctuary, Care for Wild believes it is between 16 and 18 months old.

Because of its age, the calf has been admitted to the sanctuary’s juvenile high care facility rather than its intensive care unit, where younger orphaned rhinos are treated.

Adjusting to new surroundings

Care for Wild said the blindfold and ear protection used during transport have been removed, while a long-acting tranquilliser administered for the journey will help keep the calf calm as it rests and adjusts to its new surroundings.

The sanctuary said it will remain under close observation overnight using night-pen cameras to minimise unnecessary disturbance.

“At this age, reducing stress and allowing natural behaviours to return as quickly as possible is one of the most important parts of adaptation and early rehabilitation,” Care for Wild said.

The sanctuary added that the female is its 136th rhino rescue.

Rehabilitation and release plans

Once it has settled, the calf will be introduced to a crash of other orphaned rhinos to help reduce stress and trauma, build confidence and encourage the development of behaviours needed for eventual release back into the wild.

For now, Care for Wild said its immediate priority is allowing the young rhino to rest after the long journey from Marakele National Park.

The calf was rescued after South African National Parks (SANParks) rangers found it standing beside its mother, which had died of natural causes. A multi-agency operation involving SANParks, wildlife veterinarian Dr Andy Fraser, Devon’s Wildlife Transport Services and Care for Wild was launched to bring the orphan safely to the sanctuary.

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