Zululand Rhino Orphanage

The Zululand Rhino Orphanage (ZRO) was notified of a black rhino calf requiring urgent rescue from a nearby national park. At the time of reporting, the calf was still at an age where maternal care was essential for survival. Despite monitoring efforts, the mother could not be located, and it was determined that the calf would not be able to survive independently in the wild.

Following the necessary coordination and approvals, the calf was safely transported to the orphanage for specialist care. Upon arrival, he was introduced into a boma with Behji, the orphanage’s only resident black rhino at the time. Behji had arrived at the ZRO in early 2024 and had not had a black rhino companion since his admission. The introduction was successful, and the two rhinos bonded quickly. Behji has since assumed a protective and stabilising role, effectively acting as a guardian to the newly arrived orphan.

They are now consistently observed together within the boma, providing companionship and social structure that is considered beneficial to the orphan’s emotional wellbeing and rehabilitation process. This pairing has contributed positively to the calf’s adjustment to the orphanage environment and supports his ongoing care and development.

The Zululand Rhino Orphanage (ZRO) has recently welcomed two new arrivals, Penny and Njabula, into our care.

Penny arrived in a deeply traumatised state, and it took time and patience to settle her. Fortunately, she adjusted well to bottle feeding, which is often a challenge for newly rescued calves. Once stable, Penny was introduced into the boma with her fellow orphans, where she quickly began to thrive. She has been grazing on the fresh green grass and is steadily regaining strength. A heartwarming development has been her close bond with Lila, one of our long-term orphans, who has become her best friend and mentor, guiding her in adapting to her new surroundings.

Our second arrival, Njabula, was found wandering alone with no sign of her mother. She is slightly older and larger than Penny, and unlike many young calves, she adapted quickly when brought into the orphanage. She settled straight into the bomas and has integrated well with the rest of the orphans. Njabula is already showing a calm and resilient nature, and her presence has further strengthened the social bonds within the orphan herd.

Both Penny and Njabula are doing well, thanks to the dedication of our team and the support of our donors. Their stories remind us of the critical role ZRO plays in giving orphaned rhino calves a second chance, and we are committed to ensuring they continue to grow, heal, and one day, return to the wild where they belong.