Early morning update on Jessie from Yolandi at The Rhino Orphanage:
“Jessie is OK. She was all over the place yesterday though. Very panicky, very anxious. Even If I just moved a little she would jump and frantically call. If me or Zanre left the room, Jessie would freak even though the other person is still there. She had a complete meltdown in the afternoon so Dr Pierre said to give her a mild sedative. She has slept well last night, just calls every now and again to check if I’m still there. This poor thing has been through a lot hey. Definitely traumatized. Shes drinking very well at least. But her tummy is still quiet. We are adding extra fibre to her milk and I’m giving her a warm water enema later to try soften the fecal balls so they move”.
To this I want to add that Jessie’s mom was definitely poached, at least 2 days before we found her. From the wound on her side it would seem the poachers also struck at her but luckily she managed to evade any serious blows. A case has been opened and as per all poaching cases an investigation will follow.
Jessie is now getting the best care possible and will be bottle fed till she can eat solids. This means carers will be with her for the next 3 years after which she will be released back into the wild. Rhinos soon rewild and disassociate from humans quite quickly, luckily.
Care is very costly and the Orphanage does not charge us any fees for raising our orphans. If you are keen to donate please do so direct to the Rhino Orphanage. The Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust continues to support the Rhino Protection Unit in the Pilanesberg. This Unit is active even during lock down. They do what they can with the resources available. This is a large park, many hills and a long fence line. Its a tireless, thankless and challenging job.
Your support for the protection of Rhinos is appreciated and you are welcome to go to the donation page on our website to donate please. Thank you everyone for your words of support and encouragement. It truly means the world to the ones that are the boots on the ground here and at the Orphanage.
