While searching for buffalo for a disease-testing operation, a pilot, vet, and section ranger of Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park came across a recently poached rhino carcass with a stranded and visibly distraught calf nearby, according to African Wildlife Vets.
Picture: African Wildlife Vets/Facebook
Upon further investigation, the male young calf, weighing about 105kg and estimated to be six weeks old, was still too young to be left alone in the wild.
A rescue mission was then devised with Dr Rowan Leeming immobilizing the calf and with help from his team they safely loaded it onto the back of the helicopter.
The helicopter was flown by Orton Bosman of Heligistix who quickly rushed the calf to Zululand Rhino Orphanage where he was given a drip to rehydrate and rhino plasma to strengthen his immune system.
The experienced team at the orphanage will be tasked with doing everything in their power to ensure the rhino’s recovery and nurture his well-being until he is old enough to be released back into the wild.
African Wildlife Vets with support from Blankets for Baby Rhinos covered the emergency helicopter flight from Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park to the orphanage.
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