First black rhino calf born to poaching survivors
In a groundbreaking development, South Africa's Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary has announced the birth of their first critically endangered black rhino calf. The newborn, a male, is the offspring of two orphaned poaching survivors, marking a significant milestone in rhino conservation efforts.
The calf's mother, Phoebe, was rescued in 2017 at just 18 months old after poachers killed her mother and sister in Kruger National Park. The father, Ratu, joined the sanctuary in 2018 under similar circumstances. Both underwent extensive rehabilitation and a rewilding programme before successfully mating.
Sanctuary staff report that Phoebe, despite being a first-time mother, is coping admirably with her new role. The calf is feeding well, though there were initial concerns about a slight limp, which is being closely monitored.
This birth represents a beacon of hope for the critically endangered black rhino population and showcases the success of Care for Wild's rehabilitation programmes. It demonstrates that with proper care and conservation efforts, even orphaned victims of poaching can contribute to the species' survival.
Source: SA People
