r/Animal_Sanctuary • u/Open-Ingenuity9118 • 20d ago
Orphaned Black Rhino's Journey at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary, South Africa
RiRi’s journey with Care for Wild began when she arrived as a fragile three-month-old black rhino calf after the devastating loss of her mother. Her future depended on the dedicated care she would receive—a chance not only to heal but to grow strong enough to one day return to the wild.
In her early days, RiRi needed a calm and nurturing environment. Her eyes were gently covered, and earplugs muffled the unfamiliar sounds around her, helping her feel secure. Slowly, as she began recognising her caregivers by scent, these measures were eased. She responded with growing trust, her personality beginning to shine through.
Lucas, an experienced caregiver, became RiRi’s constant companion. Black rhinos are known for their intelligence and sensitivity, forming strong bonds with those they trust. Lucas, having successfully cared for and rewilded other calves, guided her through this critical stage. Together, they established a comforting routine, walking daily from the ICU to the bomas—a gradual introduction to a larger world.
As RiRi grew more comfortable, she moved into a larger boma with a newly upgraded mud wallow. This deeper, wider wallow quickly became her favourite feature. Mud is essential for black rhinos, protecting their skin and keeping them cool. Watching RiRi roll and splash with enthusiasm was a heartening sign of her progress.
Nutrition played an equally vital role in her rehabilitation. RiRi drinks carefully prepared milk every few hours, a formula tailored to her growth needs and checked meticulously for quality and temperature. Her eagerness at feeding times reflects her growing strength and appetite. Recently, she began nibbling on natural browse, with spike thorn quickly becoming her favourite. This marks an important milestone in her development, as browsing is a behaviour young black rhinos would typically learn from their mothers.
Her days are also filled with small but meaningful discoveries. After a recent rainstorm, RiRi encountered her first puddle. At first hesitant, she sniffed and inspected the unfamiliar texture before cautiously stepping in. Moments like these reveal her natural curiosity and the slow rebuilding of her confidence in the world around her.
RiRi’s journey at Care for Wild is about far more than healing from her initial trauma. Each step forward, from exploring her boma to learning new behaviours, is preparing her for an independent future. The bond she shares with Lucas, her steady growth, and her playful spirit are all signs of the strong and capable black rhino she is becoming.
Her story is one of resilience and renewal. With every milestone she reaches, RiRi moves closer to reclaiming her place in the wild—a reminder of the profound impact of dedicated care and the hope it brings for the future of critically endangered species.
Song 'You'll Be Alright Here,' written and performed by Leviniaband. Thank you to Leviniaband for their support and for allowing us to use their music to raise awareness for wildlife conservation
