Instagram – Feb 17, 2022 @ 15:22
Hot off the press! 🦏
HOPE FOR RHINOS AS WORLD’S FIRST RHINO CALF BORN AT CARE FOR WILD RHINO SANCTUARY, SOUTH AFRICA TO ORPHANS OF POACHING
8-year-old orphan Wyntir gave birth to a healthy baby girl at 02:25 on Sunday 13th February 2022. This miracle baby is the world’s first rhino calf whose parents were both orphaned due to poaching, and who was conceived and delivered naturally.
It was a monumental and emotional moment for Care for Wild’s Founder and CEO Petronel Nieuwoudt, and the Care for Wild team.
Wyntir was just 2 months old and weighed 107kg, when she was rescued from Kingfisherspruit in the Kruger National Park after poachers murdered her mother. Alone and defenceless, Wyntir was attacked by hyenas who ripped off her ears. Storm was orphaned in the Limpopo area just over 10 years ago in an equally devastating attack when poachers brutally murdered his entire family and left the 4-week-old calf to die.
Both Wyntir and Storm were rescued and brought to Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary. After extensive care and rehabilitation they entered the rewilding and release programme and continue to be protected by guards 24/7. Wyntir and Storm have become the rhinos they were always supposed to be and have just secured the future of their species.
“I look at both Wyntir and Storm and all in one moment I see their whole journey. Every second of struggle, every hour of effort, every sacrifice and every person who gave everything to save them. Care for Wild’s vision is to secure the future of the species through viable black and white rhino breeding populations protected by communities. This baby 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.’ Petronel Nieuwoudt.
Image and words by @careforwild