Spirit Wildlife Foundation
Spirit Wildlife Foundation
Summer season at Care for Wild began with much-needed rainfall, revitalising the land and ensuring a healthy ecosystem for the wildlife. This additional rain replenished rivers and sustained vegetation, providing ample natural grazing and reducing the need for supplementary feeding. This has been particularly beneficial for the Fab Four, reinforcing natural grazing patterns essential for their long-term survival in extensive areas.
Rhinos are vital ecosystem engineers, shaping landscapes through their unique grazing habits. Unlike ruminants, rhinos are hindgut fermenters, utilising only 45% of their food intake. As a result, they consume large amounts—1–3% of their body weight—favouring short, sweet grasses like those eaten by zebras and horses. Through their grazing, rhinos prevent bush encroachment, promote biodiversity, and maintain open grasslands that benefit other species.
For Rainbow and Sage, this is their first summer. As parent-raised calves, they began grazing early, learning from their mothers. Now, with summer in full swing, they are thriving on the lush green grasses, transitioning seamlessly to the seasonal diet without digestive issues.
Bokkie remains a steadfast companion to RiRi, but occasionally skips her daily walk in favour of a lazy morning with her old friend Goose. As an experienced black rhino companion, Bokkie commands respect, navigating the rhinos’ space with confidence.
Daisy spends her days grazing with Jock, Zuri, Aquazi, and Mavic, though she often prefers solitude. Her grazing skills have significantly improved, and she favours slightly longer strands of grass, which are easier for her to pick up. Like the others, she is flourishing in the abundant summer grazing.
Like the rhinos, Modjadji the Zebra, is a hindgut fermenter and thrives on short, sweet grasses. White rhinos and zebras often graze together in nature, sharing similar diets. Having experienced seasonal dietary shifts before, Modjadji’s digestive system is well adapted to transition between natural grazing and supplementary feed.
The end of 2024 tested us in ways we never imagined—long hours, relentless problem-solving, and tough decisions. But through these trials, we gained invaluable experience, strengthening our ability to save more rhinos and contribute to the global fight against extinction.
As we marked a decade of conservation, we reflected on our impact: over 120 rhinos rescued, more than 50 rewilded, and 20 calves born to rewilded orphans—including a critically endangered black rhino. A full circle. These new lives are a testament to the dedication and perseverance that drive this mission forward every day.
Beyond rhino conservation, our impact on local communities has been profound. Rhinos are not just ecosystem engineers; they are community engineers, unlocking doors to education, employment, and empowerment. Their presence offers hope to those who need it most.
In the last quarter we rescued six rhinos, including Hercules, a two-week-old calf who survived a brutal hyena attack. His extensive injuries—fractures, crush wounds, and severe infections—required round-the-clock care in our ICU. His recovery has been driven by groundbreaking treatments, including a plasma transfusion from Hawk, a rewilded orphan. While his prognosis remains uncertain, our team is committed to giving him every chance to heal.
Reintroducing orphaned rhinos is a meticulous process. Our phased approach ensures that rewilded rhinos can establish territories, form social bonds, and contribute to sustainable populations. In the past quarter, two more calves were born to rewilded mothers.
A historic milestone was signing a Memorandum of Agreement with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, granting co-management rights over the protected area. Already, 11 rhinos have been reintroduced into a provincial park where they had been absent for 150 years—a groundbreaking achievement in conservation.
At the end of 2024, at the United for Wildlife Global Summit in Cape Town, our CEO, Petronel Nieuwoudt, joined conservation leaders to discuss disrupting wildlife trafficking networks. The event reinforced the essential role grassroots conservation plays in combating illegal trade.
Meanwhile, our veteran rangers have been mentoring the next generation of protectors, ensuring that future rangers are equipped with the skills and insights needed for effective conservation.
The Rhino Cup Soccer Tournament continues to unite local communities culminating in the final in November. Since its launch in 2023, the tournament has grown to 24 senior teams, providing a platform for engagement, empowerment, and meaningful connections between conservation and local people.
2024 has been a defining year. We step into the future stronger, more determined, and more hopeful than ever. Together, we are making a lasting impact—saving rhinos, supporting communities, and protecting the wild for generations to come.
