In this quarter, we marked World Rhino Day on 22 September, a time when the world’s attention turns towards these ancient giants and the urgent crisis they face. The International Rhino Foundation’s latest report brings both warning and hope.
The global white rhino population is estimated at 15,752, a decline of 11% in recent years. And yet, the critically endangered black rhino shows a fragile promise, with numbers rising to 6,800. These statistics remind us that this battle is far from won and that the work here at Care for Wild is more important than ever in safeguarding rhino populations.
Over the past 11 years, Care for Wild has stood as a sanctuary of resilience and hope. This World Rhino Day, we humbly acknowledged: 130 rescues, 53 releases back into the wild and 27 births.
But this is not just our story, it is your story too. Behind every achievement, behind every measurable impact, are those who chose to stand with us. Your support, your donations, and your commitment transform lives here in South Africa.
When you chose to support all the animals that make up the Spirit Wildlife Family, you made a declaration: that extinction is not an option. You chose to carry their care, their protection, and their future on your shoulders. On behalf of the Care for Wild team, on this Rhino Month, we thank you for loving rhinos…and a goat….and a zebra! Because of you, there is hope. Because of you, the next generation may still hear the thunder of rhino feet across African soil.
Together, we are writing a different ending to the story of the rhinos.
In celebration of World Rhino Month, Daisy was spoiled with love from supporters around the globe who sent her beautiful new blankets. While they aren’t needed to keep her warm now that summer is here, Daisy still likes to keep them close at night, almost like a comfort. She also welcomed a new companion to her boma, a tiny grey duiker orphan. Though Daisy is much bigger than her little friend, she remains as gentle natured as always.
Modjadji the zebra has been her usual lively self! She zips around with bursts of energy. Her antics bring a sense of fun and chaos to the sanctuary, a reminder that her quirky, high-energy personality is just as much a part of the Care for Wild family as the rhinos she has grown up alongside.
Goose has been making the most of the little rain we’ve had, happily stretching out on the cool, damp ground for a break from the dusty heat of the days. True to her quirky nature, she finds her own unique ways to enjoy the change in weather, all while continuing steadily along her rehabilitation journey.
Bokkie, on the other hand, has been full of mischief, with her loyal companion Riri always close by. The two venture out to the veld each day in search of browsing opportunities, which can be a challenge at the tail end of winter. With the first rains beginning to fall, we’re hopeful that fresh shoots and new leaves will soon appear, giving them plenty more to explore.
Moms Wyntir and River are doing well in the intensive protection zone, where the first rains of the season have begun to fall. The showers have brought a fresh flush of green grass, which the white rhinos eagerly graze on. They are experts at nibbling the new shoots without pulling them up by the roots, a skill that allows the grass to keep growing. This time of year often brings looser tummies for wildlife as their diets shift with the new growth! The babies are especially enjoying the rain, not the cold, biting rains of winter, but the warmer summer showers that settle the dust and cool the earth. Little Rainbow loves to snuggle up beside her mom as the droplets fall, resting peacefully while the world around her starts to turn fresh and green again.
