Just back in the Park, literally a couple of hours, and we received a call from Charlotte that a really young Rhino calf was running around. Nico Pilot and Gerhardus Vet were both called in to assist in looking for the calf’s mom. As Nico was arriving, Charlotte found the mom. Shot, poached. Horns gone.

The little calf crying and crying at her mothers side. Desperately trying to feed as she is so young, prob a month old!
As night fell, Nico had to leave as we waited for Gerhardus. It was terrifying. We could hear lions in the distance, as well as other unknown sounds around us. The calf remained at her dead moms side. Crying intermittently. Running around frantically hoping her mom will get up and follow as she normally would.

When Gerhardus got to the site he immediately crept round so as to not scare the baby. It was essential that we darted the calf without her running from us. As the dart went in, the calf cried out, but remained at her mom’s side.
As the drugs took effect and she calmed, Gerhardus and Charlotte captured her. She was taken to a place of safety for the night before heading to the TRO.

Thank you to everyone that assisted. Our RPU, Charlotte and all the rest.

We named the calf Charlotte/Lottie.

So sorry little Lottie. We cannot bring your mom back. We leave you in the hands of truly dedicated and caring people to assist you on your road to adulthood. Hopefully one day you can return, and safely roam the same African plains your mom did. 

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