A white rhino named Rose Petal has become a symbol of ‘resilience and love’ for the team at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary in Mpumalanga. 

In June 2017, at just six months old, her mother had to be euthanised after being brutally injured in a poaching attack in the Kruger National Park, leaving Rose Petal orphaned. 

Despite coming from challenging circumstances, Rose Petal has thrived and, about three weeks ago, gave birth to her second calf, Rocky.  

Her first calf, Chembi, is already two-and-a-half-years old.  

Playing around 

On Monday, the team from the sanctuary posted a video of her newborn on the organisation’s Facebook page, showing him playing around in a shallow mud wallow. 

With his mother watching closely, he fully immersed himself in the mud, rolling onto his side, coating his face and learning not to inhale the mud and water. 

Critical injuries 

Petronel Nieuwoudt, founder and CEO of the organisation, says Rose Petal’s mother suffered critical injuries to her legs, which left her unable to walk. 

“Despite veterinary efforts, the decision was made to euthanise her. Rose Petal was left orphaned and brought to Care for Wild, where she received round-the-clock care in the ICU,” says Nieuwoudt. 

“Rose Petal is a symbol of resilience and love. Watching her with her calves, she has a warmth, gentleness and love about her that is so remarkable,” she adds. 

Nieuwoudt says Rose Petal has also made friends. 

“She was initially intimidated by fellow orphan Khanya, but Rose’s resilience and feistiness resulted in a lasting friendship. She has also developed friendships with Rubybelle and Fern. As they matured, they entered the early stages of rewilding together,” she says. 

Conservation 

Nieuwoudt has dedicated her life to wildlife conservation, and as the rhino poaching crisis developed, the organisation evolved into the world’s largest specialised orphaned rhino sanctuary. 

For her work, Nieuwoudt was nominated for an international award, the 2025 Indianapolis Prize. The award was established by the Indianapolis Zoo in 2006 to honour those involved in animal conservation. 

“I could not believe that I was nominated. I did not win the award, but it was still very remarkable to be a nominee,” she adds. 

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