Our Rhino Orphans
Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.
Our wonderful rhino babies
Each of our rhino orphans is blessed with his/her own personality – just like humans. Each of these babies is adorable in his/her own unique way. Some need lots of love and attention, whereas others are real rebels and want to have things their way.
One thing that all have in common: They all love milk, going for long walks, playing and hanging out in the mud.
We love each of them.
Latest news from the Orphanage
World Rhino Day!
In celebration of all rhinos around the world and especially our babies here at the orphanage we have compiled a video to raise awareness on the plight of these incredible animals. Help us celebrate today by donating towards our rhinos or even becoming a foster parent to one of our orphans! - www.therhinoorphanage.co.za/donate
What will you be up to this World Rhino Day? Share our post and tag us in your Rhino Day celebrations - #therhinoorphanage
Kabelo
| Gender | Male |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 3 months old |
| Place of origin | Botsalano, North West Parks |
| What happened to its mom? | Lost his mother from suspected complications after being shot by poachers 2 years before. |
| What makes him special? | His name means “Gift“. He has a gentle, playful personality, very curious and brave. He loves his milk and going for walks in the bush. |
Faith
| Gender | Female |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 6 weeks old |
| Place of origin | Mafikeng, North West |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom was poached |
| What makes her special? | Always shows her gentle nature but never lets you forget who is in charge. |
Lunga
| Gender | Male |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 6 weeks old |
| Place of origin | Musina, Limpopo |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom injured during capture, vet decided to remove calf in case she didn’t make it. |
| What makes him special? | He is very independent, non-chalant personality and a handsome (and he knows it) charm. Loves running. Used to growl like a bear when upset. |
Kumba
| Gender | Male |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 6 months old |
| Place of origin | Mpumalanga |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom was poached |
| What makes him special? | He is very sweet and loving, he always come to greet you and never fails to put a smile on your face. Doesn’t like being alone. |
Matthew
| Gender | Male |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 9 months |
| Place of origin | North West Parks |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom injured by rhino bull, died from the injuries. Calf had face covered in blood as he was trying to nurse from injured mom. |
| What makes him special? | Closes his eyes when enjoying his food. Named after a boy who cycled to raise funds for rhino conservation. |
Nkwe
| Gender | Female |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 3 months |
| Place of origin | Ingwe Valley, Limpopo |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom died under narcosis following relocation to prevent poaching |
| What makes her special? | She is very wrinkly and is sometimes really bossy but will get frightened easily with the males |
Ntombi
| Gender | Female |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 2 months |
| Place of origin | SANParks |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom was poached, calf had its face hacked with 21 panga/axe wounds |
| What makes her special? | She is a very needy girl and likes attention. If you take too long with her food she will push you off |
Tau
| Gender | Male |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 3-4 months |
| Place of origin | SANParks |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom and a bull were poached, calf was chased by a pride of lions before being rescued |
| What makes him special? | When he moans it sounds like he is talking or singing! |
Pendula
| Gender | Male |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 4 months |
| Place of origin | Limpopo |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom was poached and he arrived upside down in the crate |
| What makes him special? | He will go where he wants to and no one will stop him. He enjoys tipping over his water trough |
Thandi
| Gender | Female |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 15 months |
| Place of origin | Limpopo |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom was poached, she got shot through the neck, was being attacked by 3 lions when rescued, lost half of one ear |
| What makes her special? | She is a true survivor, full of courage and determined to live. |
Mbali
| Gender | Female |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 12 months |
| Place of origin | Limpopo |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom was poached |
| What makes her special? | She will do what she wants and no what everyone else does… A real rebel! |
Pemba
| Gender | Male |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 6 weeks |
| Place of origin | Limpopo |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom was poached and he was found 5 days later |
| What makes him special? | Tries to roar like a lion. Loves attention and belly rubs, he can never get enough milk |
Muffin
| Gender | Male |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 40 days |
| Place of origin | Limpopo |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom shot early hours of morning, calf arrived the same day |
| What makes him special? | Has very bad mood swings, keeps the keepers on their toes trying to guess if they are gonna be kissed or chased |
Nageng
| Gender | Male |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 10 months |
| Place of origin | North West Parks |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom poached 2 days before, was put on a boma and broke the heavy gate overnight as the lions were roaring close-by |
| What makes him special? | He is a very trusting boy. His name means “there in the wilderness” |
Lesedi
| Gender | Male |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 7 months |
| Place of origin | North West Parks |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom poached 5 days before, joined another cow with calf but was pushed away. Feared lions will catch him |
| What makes him special? | He is a very fat boy, has a big belly and loves his food. |
Shaka
| Gender | Male |
| Specie | Black rhino |
| Age on arrival | 3-4 months |
| Place of origin | Limpopo |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom died from mycotoxicosis after moving her to a boma to prevent poaching |
| What makes him special? | He will take his sweet time when you call him, he’s not crazy about milk but loves browsing and walks. Will irritate Nyani a lot until she starts playing with him. |
Joey
| Gender | Female |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 24 months |
| Place of origin | North West Parks |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom chased her away to have new calf. She got a fractured hip bone and lived on a high risk area with big pride of lions. |
| What makes her special? | She is very tough, recovered completely from injuries. |
Nyani
| Gender | Female |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 1-2 days old |
| Place of origin | Limpopo |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom separated during game count |
| What makes her special? | Blows bubbles with mouth and expert escapist if left alone. |
Nandi
| Gender | Female |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 4-5 months |
| Place of origin | Limpopo |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom poached with 8 rhinos in one night |
| What makes her special? | Doesn’t like people and not to blame after the horrible poaching of her mom and also being shot on a leg. |
Takiwe
| Gender | Male |
| Specie | White rhino |
| Age on arrival | 12 months |
| Place of origin | Limpopo |
| What happened to its mom? | Mom couldn´t be found, calf run into thorn bushes and got bad scratches |
| What makes him special? | Can’t have enough grass, he will look like a sausage if you keep on feeding him. He got his name after being very drowsy and tipsy after being immobilized and brought to orphanage. |