The Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary in Mpumalanga has made rhino conservation history this weekend. In the early hours of Sunday, 13 February, an 8-year-old orphaned rhino gave birth to a healthy and strong baby girl. She is the world’s first rhino calf to be conceived and delivered naturally by parents Wyntir and Storm who were both orphaned by poaching.
The CEO and founder of Care for Wild Petronel Nieuwoudt said she was overcome with emotion at this tremendous occasion. She and her team operate the world’s largest orphaned rhino sanctuary. They specialise in the rescue, rehabilitation, release and ongoing protection of these threatened species. ‘[The calf] is a symbol of the life and light that is possible. She is hope for the species and for humanity. Rhinos belong to the world and it is all of our responsibility to save them.’
Wyntir was rescued from Kingfisherspruit in the Kruger National Park at just two months old after her mother was killed by poachers. Vulnerable and alone, she was then attacked by hyenas who caused life-threatening wounds when they ripped off her ears.
Storm was orphaned by poachers in the Limpopo area 10 years ago. He was only four weeks old. They were both rescued by The Care for Wild Sanctuary and are two of over 100 rhino orphans to be rescued since the conservation project began in 2011.
More orphaned rhinos are due to give birth soon.
For more updates see the sanctuary’s social media pages @careforwild.
Pictures: Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary
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