A pilot, a veterinarian and a ranger from Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park took to the skies on Sunday morning to search for buffalo as part of a disease check operation (more information on this coming soon).

While searching for buffalo, they spotted a freshly poached rhino carcass, and a few hundred meters away, they noticed a small calf that was alone (it weighed 105 kg and was estimated to be around 6 weeks old).

They responded immediately. Dr. Rowan Leeming tranquilized the little calf and they placed it in the back seat of the helicopter, which was flown by Heligistix’s Orton Bosman. The calf was rushed to the Zululand Rhino Orphanage where it received an infusion to rehydrate and rhino plasma to boost its immune system. The experienced team at the orphanage will do everything possible to ensure his recovery and care for his well-being until he is old enough to be released back into the wild.

African Wildlife Vets, with support from Blankets for Baby Rhinos, covered the cost of the emergency helicopter flight from Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park to the orphanage.

WAR – Wildlife at Risk
Protecting Our Animals in the Wild: Published by Kathy Pennell.

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Credit goes to Respective Owner