How to raise two orphaned rhino calves from scratch

Within days of each other, we recently lost two white rhino cows. There was no sign of poaching, which was our first small relief, but the cause is still under investigation. Our immediate concern was their calves. With aerial support, our Anti-Poaching Unit and the Botswana Defence Force on the ground, we found them: two calves, around three and six months old, hungry, in shock and needing urgent care.

Botswana has no rhino orphanage, so we had to build one ourselves, as fast as we could. African Parks sent their own orphanage specialist to help us set up and other specialists talked us through everything from enclosure design to feeding schedules. Facilities went up, supplies were sourced and staff trained, all in a matter of days. NGOs like WildAssist Africa helped us get the word out, Clover Botswana and Spar Botswana donated milk, and shareholders brought supplies on their visits. It’s heartwarming to see how many people and companies care about our wildlife.

Today both calves are drinking well, eating, sleeping like babies and wallowing in the mud like nothing happened. Nothing short of a miracle.

They’ll need milk, glucose and supplements for many months to come, plus larger enclosures, veterinary care and support to make it to adulthood. This World Rhino Day, if you want to be part of their journey, you can donate directly via the Donate-link https://limpopo-lipadi.org/donate/