Rhino calf receives urgent care at South African wildlife clinic

A two-month-old white rhino calf is receiving intensive veterinary care at the Care for Wild facility near Barberton in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The calf was admitted in a critical state, suffering from extreme dehydration, weakness, and wounds on its feet caused by embedded thorns and abscesses.

To aid recovery, veterinarians have administered intravenous fluids, rhino plasma, and specialized nutrition. The calf requires round-the-clock monitoring and frequent feedings, as bottle-fed calves may consume up to 16 liters of milk daily.

According to research from SANParks, orphaned rhino calves face significant mortality risks, with up to 52% potentially dying without intervention. Conservation efforts focus on rapid medical response to mitigate the impact of poaching and natural causes that separate calves from their mothers.