In Care For Wild Rhino, a baby rhino and a baby zebra become best friends and help each other heal.
In early December last year, Daisy was found in the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Daisy was only a few hours old and incredibly weak, so rescuers airlifted her to the emergency room where she received help to survive. Daisy required round-the-clock care and feeding, and needed further treatments to boost her immune system and maintain her body temperature. It was completely uncertain whether this little baby hippo would survive the most important battle of life.
But Daisy was not the only baby in the hospital. She was accompanied by a baby zebra named Modjadji, who was only a few days old.
“Modjadji was admitted to the sanctuary’s intensive care unit in late November after being found motionless and barely breathing in the sanctuary following heavy rains and storms,” said Louwhen Bowker, media contact at Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary.
These two babies knew no differences, their friendship was based on genuine love and care. Both babies have the same job, to survive without their mothers. They had only each other, but also a team of kind volunteers who did everything they could to ensure they received the care they needed.
“As they got stronger and braver, their curiosity took over and they started to communicate with each other,” Bowker said. “Rhinos are very social animals and need company. Modjadji is fantastic company for Daisy and very affectionate towards her.”
Just a month after Daisy’s arrival, the two were like real sisters, they were family. They never imagined they could be apart for even a short time!
“They cuddle together at night, which gives Daisy comfort and security,” says Bowker. “Modjadji is a friend who can be with her 24/7, and that in turn helps to avoid too much human contact with Daisy.”
One day, Daisy and Modjadji will be able to roam free and meet other rhinos and zebras. But until then, all they need is each other, proving that the family you choose is the one that really matters.