Zululand Rhino Orphanage Rescues Another

Tags: African Rhinos, Zululand Rhino Orphanage

BREAKING NEWS: New Rescued Orphan!

Simone and her orphanage team had this to say:

Day 1: “We received a call to assist with the rescue of a rhino orphan. It’s a 5-hour drive so we get going straight away. A helicopter and vet are also headed there. Unfortunately, the orphan is not relocated before nightfall, so we must spend the night. Thankfully, she is relocated and darted early the next morning. She isn’t far from her mother’s lifeless body and we are horrified to see some severe open wounds on this poor little baby! The poachers have hacked into her left ear and neck. We stabilise her in our ICU trailer and start the long journey back. Please keep her in your thoughts and send her strength”

Day 2: “On our way back we stop at the veterinary clinic to treat her wounds. Dr Trever Viljoen spends a few hours working on her and does a remarkable job! After the procedure, she wakes up and immediately accepts some milk. We are all exhausted and spend the night at the veterinary clinic.”

Day 3: “We finally arrived at the facility with the new orphan. She weighs in at 125kg but is clearly under condition. She will be kept in our ICU and given antibiotics and pain meds until she is out of the woods. She’s receiving the care she so desperately needs. Drinking often and sleeping a lot! She is in safe hands.”

Day 4: “Dr Trever Viljoen came through for a check-up and had to restitch the wounds. After the procedure, her blindfold was removed. Unfortunately, she has an ulcer in her left eye and is unable to see out of it. Thankfully, she has accepted us and is still drinking well. She still needs some rest to recover completely.”

Day 7: “Meet Mulayo 💚 With thanks to a very generous supporter, our newest rhino orphan has a name! Mulayo is taken from the Zulu word Ekhazimulayo which means radiant. Mulayo has been settling in well over the last week. Our vet comes through every second day to check on her and treat her wounds. Unfortunately, after multiple efforts to restitch her wounds, her ear has had to be removed due to the cartilage dying. The good news is that she looks to be a lot more comfortable now and the rest of her wounds should heal well. She is going to be a very unique-looking girl! We have been treating the ulcer in her left eye and it has reduced significantly. She can see well and has recently been able to enjoy some time outside. She is bonding strongly with her carers and will hopefully be introduced to a rhino companion soon. This has been an incredibly emotional rescue – from seeing Mulayo’s poached mother to searching for and finding her in a very real and sad situation to seeing just how cruel humans can be… We are grateful to have been able to save her life and would like to thank you for all of the love and support that you have shown to her and our team!