NEWS
Inverdoorn surviving rhino
birth baby now orphaned The Aquila 24-hour Rapid Rhino Response team, under the guidance of the Saving Private Rhino organisation, has confirmed that the rhino calf that was birthed from the surviving rhino after a poaching incident, is now orphaned and being cared for at a Western Cape rhino orphanage.
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he calf was born following the horrific December 2021 rhino poaching incident at the Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve.
“The mother abandoned the calf during the evening of the day of the birth, which meant that the baby was left alone for hours. Unfortunately, the mother was also not producing sufficient milk and therefore the new born calf did not get enough essential nutrition to build its immune system,” said a team member.
Searl Derman, owner of Aquila Collection, has been on site to observe the progress of the baby and ensure that the calf’s health is first priority.
The monitoring team under the guidance of the Anti-Poaching Unit and Saving Private Rhino kept a watchful eye and found the baby to have been born premature and underweight. The calf was in desperate need of nourishment, and they then made the crucial decision to rescue the baby to save its life.
“Our teams are doing excellent work! Over the years we have been involved in the care of a number of orphans and our facilities are geared to provide a safe and healthy environment for orphaned rhinos to get the best possible second chance.” In the best interest of the rhino’s rehabilitation and security, the care facilities are not open to the public. The facilities are funded by the multi award-winning Saving Private Rhino NGO and Aquila Collection with the hope of further support from corporate and private donations.
24-hour specialist care has been provided to the baby since it was moved to a rhino orphanage managed by the Aquila Collection, while no expense has been spared in medical treatment and veterinarian costs to help save the baby’s life.
Caring for a baby rhino is extremely costly and high risk as they are prone to infections. A baby rhino needs to be fed milk every three hours and there are a lot of additional staff and intensive chores to handle the feeding, hygiene and cleaning facilities.
The experts currently monitoring the baby said he is stable but needs lots of love and support.
If you would like to donate to this cause, visit www.www.payfast.co.za/donate/go/aquila/
During the first few hours of any wildlife birth, it is vital that the newborn gets enough of the mother’s milk.
78 | June - August 2022 • rovesa.co.za
