Zululand Rhino Orphanage

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.