Adine Helps HESC with Angie the Rhino 🦏

Angie arrived at HESC (Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre) in early August after tragically losing her mother to poachers. She was found near her mother’s body, distressed and frightened. Alongside the dedicated HESC carers, Adine spent days comforting the young calf, helping her understand that these humans were there to care for her. Rhino calves, just like elephant calves, are extremely fragile and getting them onto milk bottles to see them through the initial stages of their young lives is complex. Rhino orphan calves are not quite as complex as elephants but their care requires a seasoned hand and heart. It can be scary to step into a small enclosure with such a large, strong animal – even as calves, rhinos and elephants are incredibly heavier and stronger than us humans. With countless hours of patience and persistence, Angie has slowly begun to settle into her new home. The bond she’s already formed with her carers, companion sheep, Liquorice, and fellow rhinos is truly heartwarming. For more updates on Angie’s journey, follow HESC on their social platforms. World Rhino Day, celebrated on 22 September, is dedicated to raising awareness about the five rhino species and the critical need to protect them. Rhinos face numerous threats, mainly from poaching driven by the illegal trade in their horns on the black market. World Rhino Day represents a global effort to combat this crisis, honour the resilience of these animals and highlight the important work being done by organisations and individuals to ensure their survival. By sharing stories like Angie’s, we can spread the message that every rhino deserves a future 🦏