A Fight for Survival Amidst Drought and Starvation
Life in the wild is a daily battle for survival, and for rhinos the challenges go beyond the constant threat of poaching. At times severe droughts and dwindling food sources can also pose risks. Jonathan's mother was a very old cow whom was malnourished and unable to produce the milk her calve needed for growth and development.
As his mother grew weaker, her body working overtime to metabolize every last ounce of energy to produce milk, it became clear she could go no further. Baby Jonathan started to weaken. He became vulnerable, critically ill, and the chances of survival for mother and baby were rapidly diminishing.
In a heart-wrenching decision, baby Jonathan was taken from his mother to the sanctuary. He was placed on an IV drip to receive the vital nutrients and plasma transfusions from the rhino blood bank, infusing him with essential proteins to boost his immune system.
Jonathan arrivedin the same week as David, another young rhino facing his own battle for survival. The two, both the same age, have become inseparable, supporting each other through their healing journey. The picture below shows the difference in size between Jonathan (left) and David (right). With time and 24/7 care, Jonathan begun to regain his strength, putting on weight and growing into a healthy young rhino.
Separating a mother and her calf is a tough decision to make, however in this scenario not intervening would have meant the death of both animals. We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved in the care of the orphans.
Jonathan (on the left) is doing great.
Megan
Rhino Connect
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