Kruger National Park in South Africa is fighting an ongoing war on senseless poaching of endangered animals, including the remaining white rhinoceros population.
Recently, rangers came across another victim, a white rhino mother who poachers killed just so they could hack off her horns. Her calf, just 4 weeks old, bravely tried to fight off the cruel poachers, and in response they shot him with a tranquilizer dart and hacked at him with their machetes, causing serious injuries to his back and feet.
Rescuers decided to name him Arthur the Brave after they found the poor rhino laying beside his slain mother. The name was meant as a testament to his “resilience and loyalty to his mother.”
A rare white rhino baby has been rescued from certain death after it was found lying injured next to its dead mother in…
Posted by International Animal Rescue Foundation Rhino Welfare South Africa on Friday, August 31, 2018
They evacuated the calf to the Care for Wild Rhino orphanage where he began the long road to recovery from physical, emotional, and psychological trauma.
“…Arthur still calls out for his mum, he will be emotionally scarred for a long time “
Volunteers at the orphanage reported that Arthur would sometimes cry out in anguish for his mother making “a heart-wrenching sound and one that he should never have to make.”
They had to bring in specialists to treat his wounds.
https://www.facebook.com/GiftoftheGivers/posts/1017924801688315
The baby has become a favorite with his caregivers and has made a new important friend.
“Arthur is on the road to recovery, he has made friends at the sanctuary with fellow Rhino orphan Summer, and is a firm favorite with his caregivers,” said Karen Brewer, chief executive at the zoo.
“In the wild, a rhino calf will stay with his mum for three years. Arthur’s mother was snatched from him at an early age, Arthur still calls out for his mum, he will be emotionally scarred for a long time.”
Prince Harry is an ambassador for the Care for Wild animal charity and South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton, Lancashire decided to adopt Arthur to raise funds for his ongoing rehabilitation.
They started the Arthur’s Army conservation project, pledging $2,000 a month for his care.
Introducing Arthur!Our newest arrival, the tiny and injured one month old calf, has been named Arthur. Deriving from…
Posted by Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary on Thursday, May 24, 2018
The sanctuary shares wonderful video updates on Arthur and his fellow orphan, Summer.
“Arthur likes to challenge Summer, and although she is considerably larger than him, she is gentle and patient with him. When playing, Summer gets so excited she bounces up and down on the spot!”
“With both these little rhinos being so young and, at one stage, vulnerable and highly compromised, it is an amazing thing to see them together playing happily with the company of one another. Since being introduced to Summer, Arthur came out of his shell and has been learning rhino behaviors from her – including how to play like a rhino!”
After their time out in the reserve, Summer and Arthur come back to their boma in the afternoon where they play together like true young rhinos!Arthur likes to challenge Summer, and although she is considerably larger than him, she is gentle and patient with him. When playing, Summer gets so excited she bounces up and down on the spot!With both these little rhinos being so young and, at one stage, vulnerable and highly compromised, it is an amazing thing to see them together playing happily with the company of one another. Since being introduced to Summer, Arthur came out of his shell and has been learning rhino behaviours from her – including how to play like a rhino! We are so pleased with Arthur’s progress, and we are so proud of Summer for looking after him so well, and for teaching him how to play like a rhino!#CFWRS #CareforWildRhinoSanctuary #CareforWild #ArthurtheRhino
Posted by Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary on Friday, July 6, 2018
In a recent update on Arthur’s progression, he appears to be enjoying a new rhino “apartment” and is enjoying running an playing with Summer.
“We are also very happy to report that Arthur’s wounds are all completely healed. He has made an amazing recovery. Arthur is now picking up weight and growing very well and we could not be happier for this amazingly strong, little bull. Thank you for everyone’s support and love of Arthur through this incredible process.”
Update on Arthur and Summer at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary. Arthur and Summer have been upgraded to a baby rhino “apartment”. They now have a much bigger nightpen to sleep in and a huge back yard to run around and play in. As you can see they are absolutely LOVING their upgrade. We are also very happy to report that Arthur’s wounds are all completely healed. He has made an amazing recovery. Arthur is now picking up weight and growing very well and we could not be happier for this amazingly strong, little bull. Thank you for everyone’s support and love of Arthur through this incredible process. #careforwild #careforwildrhinosanctuary #arthur #summer #fun #play #playtime #running #newhome #explore #babyrhino #whiterhino #savetherhino #rhino #sanctuary #orphanage #happyrhino #happyrhinofriday #feelgoodfriday @worldanimalnews @councilofcontributors @babyrhinorescuesos @konicaminoltasa @tpw_foundation @thedodo @theellenshow @andbeyondtravel @kp24 @mavie_23
Posted by Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary on Friday, August 24, 2018
It’s amazing that so many people are coming together to save the precious life of one baby rhino. If only everyone would realize how very precious and irreplaceable life on earth truly is.
Featured images: screenshots via Facebook