Orphaned Baby Rhino Saved From Near Death Develops Unlikely Friendship With Zebra Foal at Sanctuary

(Courtesy of Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary)

Difficult starts in life only brought one pair of South African orphan animals—of two different species—closer together.

A newborn baby rhino, named Daisy, was rescued in early December from a known poaching area at Kruger National Park and brought to Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary. She was found close to death, with her umbilical cord still attached.

Daisy was brought to intensive care at the sanctuary upon her arrival on Dec. 9, 2021. After a few weeks of receiving care from sanctuary staff, she regained her health and was able to walk again.

(Courtesy of Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary)

“It took two solid months of extreme dedication and commitment to pull this little one through,” one carer told The Epoch Times. “December and Christmas certainly did not happen for the team at Care for Wild but we got the best gift! Daisy is doing well!”

A few weeks prior to Daisy’s arrival, a baby zebra named Modjadji was brought in from a terrible storm to the sanctuary and nursed back to health. By the time the zebra foal became accustomed to the rhino orphanage, she was happy to welcome Daisy to come out and play with her.

“As they both gain in strength, they are becoming increasingly more mischievous!” shared a staff member at the rhino sanctuary.

One of the creatures’ favorite ways to play is to go looking for food together. Since they are still so young, they drink a lot of milk. They can be found heading to the kitchen when staff are preparing their meal.

(Courtesy of Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary)

(Courtesy of Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary)

The rhino sanctuary posted on their Instagram page some videos and photos of the two iconic African creatures spending time together as friends. The green pastures and soft straw beds in the happy pictures show that they are in good hands.

Their caretakers noted that Daisy and Modjadji are gentle creatures at heart.

“They are both incredibly sweet and kind animals with so much empathy towards one another,” a staff member told The Epoch Times. “Modjadji is protective of Daisy. She is playful and cheeky. Modjadji is definitely the one to plan mischief and Daisy follows!”

(Courtesy of Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary)

(Courtesy of Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary)

They both survived devastating circumstances early in life. The goodwill at the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary helped nurture them back to health, while the friendship between the unlikely pair definitely aided in their recovery journey.

Daisy and Modjadji are happy, safe, and on their way to living a good life, free from poachers and predators, thanks to the caring staff at the sanctuary.

Rhino poaching is big business in South Africa, and it’s predicted that in less than 10 years, rhinos could become extinct. The Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary is educating the world about this, raising awareness on the importance of preserving this endangered species.

(Courtesy of Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary)

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