South Africa, it’s time to #ChangeOneThing! By signing the “Save the Last of South Africa’s Rhinos” petition, you can show your solidarity and amplify the call for stronger protection measures for our beloved rhinos.

Johannesburg, South Africa (15 October 2024) – Far too many precious rhinos have suffered at the hands of heartless and greedy poachers, robbing our wildlife of their basic right to life and putting them at threat of extinction.

But, now is the time for your voice to be heard and join the fight to safeguard these iconic animals for generations to come.

Jamie Joseph from Saving the Wild, in collaboration with the Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots and Shoots South Africa, is dedicated to introducing legislation in South Africa that will protect rhinos and other wildlife from poaching.

By introducing stricter legislation, the organisations aim to create a safer haven for rhinos and other wildlife. They are calling upon South Africans to join forces and demand change.

“As it stands, there is no strict legislation to protect our rhinos from dangerous poaching practices,” says Kayla Hovelmeier, a Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots and Shoots South Africa volunteer.

Jamie Joseph will be taking the lead and heading to parliament to present a comprehensive proposal to the Minister of Forestries, Fisheries, and Environment.

However, the success of this endeavour depends on the unwavering support of the public. The only way parliament will see that this is important is by seeing that real South Africans are passionate about this change and protecting rhinos.

“Most rhino poaching cases do not get to trial, and if there is a conviction, it is either a fine or a prison term of less than five years that almost never gets served in its entirety,” Jamie explains.

For this very reason, the great public is being encouraged to sign the Save the Last of South Africa’s Rhinos petition and add their names so that the Minister can see how many people are demanding the protection of our rhinos and wildlife.

The goal is to reach at least 10,000 signatures for #RhinoLaws before Jamie goes into parliament.

To be a part of the solution and ensure that rhinos can roam the wild free of the threat of poaching, add your name to the petition at https://www.change.org/p/save-the-last-of-south-africa-s-rhinos-with-legislation 

Sources: Supplied

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After suffering a nasty kick from a zebra, a tiny injured Nyala calf named Rimmy was welcomed to the Friends of Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, where he began his journey of recovery with much care and attention.

Midrand, South Africa (14 October 2024) – Friends of Free Wildlife recently welcomed their first and most adorable antelope patient, with big ears, dark eyes, and endearingly long, wobbly legs.

The team of wildlife heroes was thrilled to welcome a beautiful male Nyala calf, named “Rimmy”, to occupy one of the stalls in the facility’s brand-new mammal enclosure.

According to the wildlife rehabilitation centre, Rimmy started life off on the wrong foot when he was kicked by a zebra at the lodge where he was born.

He unfortunately sustained a fracture to the radius on his left front leg and was meticulously treated by Dr Jean at Bryanston Avian, Exotic and Small Animal Clinic (BAESAC).

The dedicated team at Friends of Free Wildlife, along with the expertise of veterinarians at Onderstepoort Wildlife Clinic, worked tirelessly to mend Rimmy’s broken bones and restore his mobility.

Thankfully, it wasn’t long until Rimmy was back on his feet sporting a fancy purple bandage covering a contraption known as an ‘external ring fixator’.

“The surgeon is very happy with his progress and the fixator and bandages have now been removed.

“We are extremely fortunate and most grateful to one of our volunteers, Janet, who sprung into action and within minutes secured sponsorship from RIMKEM for the entire procedure,” said Lauren Haupt of Friends of Free Wildlife.

Rimmy is well on the road to recovery. Special thanks go to the wonderful vets at Onderstepoort and the formidable animal specialists Claudius and Meg, who have been keeping the little calf comfortable, fed and happy from morning to night.

Sources: Friends of Free Wildlife

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Now, it is not every day you get to stumble upon a majestic Southern Elephant Seal in KZN! Local beachgoers were thrilled to encounter this gentle giant, who seemed to be enjoying some R&R under the sun.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (14 October 2024) – A rare and unexpected visitor – a juvenile yet very robust Southern Elephant Seal swam ashore at Rocky Bay Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast last Thursday, much to the delight and adoration of many local beachgoers.

The uShaka Sea World team, led by Senior Aquarist Rob Kyle, Assistant Curator Bilal Limbada, and Veterinarian Dr Francois Lampen, wasted no time rushing to the beach to assist the stranded seal. His strength and location earned him the adorable name “Rocky”.

According to the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), these seals are not normally found along the KZN coastline, which is about 2,000km from their home.

“Usually, when seals strand on KZN beaches with obvious injuries, they are brought into our rehabilitation facility for treatment, and then released.

“When Rocky was examined on the beach by Dr Lampen, he appeared to be healthy and had possibly hauled out onto the beach to rest after his long swim,” SAAMBR said.

After a thorough assessment, Rocky was given the green light to be released to a quieter beach to continue resting without interruption.

He was also fitted with a flipper tag, which, if seen in the future, will allow the team to monitor his movements and correctly identify him in both the short and long term.

While irresistibly adorable to any animal lover, the SAAMBR emphasised the importance of being mindful that juvenile Elephant seals found on the beach, where they enjoy rest, can be dangerous if approached.

“If you see Rocky on the beach, please keep your distance and allow him to rest. If you are able to see the tag on his hind flipper, please stay at least 5 meters away from him to take a picture and send it to us on any of our social platforms.”

Sources: South African Association for Marine Biological Research

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Now, at the touch of a button, South Africa’s iconic Big 5 safari is just a ride away—thanks to Uber’s groundbreaking new Safari option, bringing the wild closer than ever before.

Western Cape, South Africa (13 October 2024) – South Africa is known for many things—stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and of course, our unbeatable safaris. Nothing quite compares to the magic of a bush trip, where the wild meets the luxurious. For both local and international travellers, it’s a massive drawcard. From the moment you step into the untamed wilderness, the call of the wild pulls you in. The roar of a lion, the grace of a giraffe, and the sheer presence of an elephant up close—it’s an unforgettable experience.

And now, thanks to a world-first initiative, you can book your next safari with just a tap on your phone!

Uber has introduced its groundbreaking “Safari” option in Cape Town and it’s nothing short of incredible. The partnership with Aquila Private Game Reserve means you can now effortlessly plan a Big 5 adventure, all from the Uber app. That’s right—at the touch of a button, a safari is within your grasp.

Here’s how it works:

With Uber Safari, you’ll be picked up in Cape Town in a specially-branded vehicle, allowing you to sit back and relax as you leave the city behind. As the iconic Karoo mountains come into view, you’ll arrive at Aquila Private Game Reserve, where a welcome toast and lunch await you. After your delicious meal, it’s time to embark on the real adventure—a game drive led by experienced rangers and guides who know just how to give you the best chance of spotting the Big 5: lions, elephants, buffalos, cheetahs, and rhinos. It’s a truly immersive experience, where every twist and turn holds the promise of seeing something extraordinary.

“We’re excited to partner with Uber to extend our bucket list wildlife experiences to their customers,” said Johan van Schalkwyk, Commercial Officer of Aquila Collection. “Uber Safari allows folks to book and enjoy an unforgettable day at Aquila, where they’ll get to experience the Big 5 in an easy and luxurious way. It’s the perfect combination of modern convenience and natural beauty, all while supporting wildlife conservation efforts that are vital to preserving South Africa’s biodiversity.”

Priced at R3,550 per trip for up to four people, this full-day excursion covers your transport, a 2-3 hour game drive, lunch, and access to the reserve’s picturesque grounds. And with the option to book up to 90 days in advance through Uber Reserve, planning your next bush trip has never been simpler.

Mzansi, we’ve got it all—sun, safari, and luxury, and now, you can have it all at the press of a button.

Whether you’re a local looking for a quick escape from the city or a visitor checking off your bucket list, this new Uber Safari option is a game-changer.

Sources: 

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A Khetha pilot initiative paves the way to promote conservation through creative writing and art projects.

South Africa (11 October 2024) – If we can’t imagine a better world, how are we ever going to create it? Writing is an immensely powerful tool for sharing our experiences and shaping the world.

So says Sboniso Phakahti, the lead adjudicator of a pilot writing competition that invited learners from the Greater Kruger area to share their personal connections with nature. They were given the option to write letters to Mother Earth or journalistically styled articles on why wildlife matters. The initiative, titled Voices of Future Conservation Leaders, is part of the Khetha 2024 Story Project, aimed at enhancing media coverage of wildlife crime and conservation challenges in the region.

Genesis

“The pilot competition was designed to unearth unfiltered personal accounts from young people living near protected areas and provide insight into the stories and experiences that have shaped their views,” said Phakathi, who coordinates educational outreach activities for the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) under the Rural Enterprises for Sustainable Development (RISE) umbrella.

“It was also about encouraging young people to envision a future where taking care of nature and community development go hand in hand — and to start imagining possibilities for themselves within that,” said Robert Inglis, director of Jive Media Africa which manages the overarching Khetha 2024 Story Project.

Outreach

Following educational outreach presentations at schools within a 30 km radius of the college, learners had the July holiday to craft their submissions based on writing guides provided by Roving Reporters.

In total, 48 submissions were received. Out of these, 25 scripts from the following schools were shortlisted for prizes: Dayimani High School on the fringe of the Manyeleti Game Reserve, Mahlale High School in Welverdiend, Sokisi High School near Andover Nature Reserve, and Masingitana Secondary School and Moses Mnisi High School in Acornhoek.

Heartfelt submissions

Standout submissions included heartfelt reflections on the wonders of nature and calls to action to protect wildlife and natural resources. Among them were poignant apologies for humanity’s impact on the environment.

“Mother Earth, you provide us with everything we need—air, water, and food—yet we often neglect and harm you. We apologise for our negligence and pledge to reduce plastic use, conserve water, and promote recycling,” wrote Faith Mkansi, a Grade 11 learner at Masingitana High School.

“Dear Mother Earth, we have caused you great harm through pollution . . . Our commitment to protecting you is a step toward ensuring a healthier planet for future generations,” wrote Kendith Ntebogeng Mduli, a Grade 12 student from Dayimani High School.

“When the competition began, I didn’t believe my English was good enough, but in taking part I gained more confidence and self-esteem,” said Mdluli.

In her prize-winning entry, Khanyi Penelope Sibiya, a Grade 12 student from Mahlale High School, provided a personal reflection on the calming influence of nature:

“My connection with nature is profound. It offers peace and comfort, helping me feel grounded. The sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors soothe my soul, reminding me of the world’s beauty,” wrote Sibiya.

“I want to be a teacher , and was so happy when I saw the Voices for Future Conservation Leaders poster at school. I like reading and writing stories, but I was also nervous because this was a competition,” says Sibiya.

Two other shortlisted finalists, Dzunisani Praise Mkansi from Moses Mnisi High School and Ntshuxo Ziane from Sokisi High School, also conveyed a deep appreciation for the natural world. Mkansi reflected on family outings as a young child:

“Walking through the Andover Game Reserve, I was mesmerized by the cool air and the diverse trees. Observing colourful birds and experiencing nature’s changes deepened my appreciation and commitment to protect the environment. Nature has taught me patience and the importance of growth, inspiring me to respect it.”

Describing his personal connection to nature, Ziane wrote:

“Nature is like a warm embrace from the earth, offering peace and comfort. It teaches perseverance and interconnectedness, reminding us that our actions impact the world around us. Preserving nature is vital for our planet’s health, and I hope others will appreciate and protect nature as I do.”

Prize giving

At an interactive prize-giving ceremony hosted at the Wildlife College, Ziane won the first prize, taking home R5,000. The second prize went to Mduli (Dayimani High School), who received R1,500, and the third prize was awarded to Sibiya (Mahlale High School). Runner-ups Dzunisani Mkansi (Moses Mnisi High School) and Faith Mkansi (Masingitana Secondary School) received R500 each. The remaining 20 shortlisted entrants each received R125.

Invited to a recent Khetha Game Changers gala event, Ziane choked up with emotion when addressing more than 58 leading conservationists who had gathered to pay tribute to unsung heroes in the Greater Kruger area.

“I don’t have words. I was not expecting this,” said a tearful Ziane.

Reflecting on the outcomes, Jeanné Poultney the SAWC’s executive manager: marketing, fundraising and media relations, said:

“Initially imagined as a slow-burning project, this initiative exceeded our expectations in both scope and success.”

“The high quality of submissions highlighted the students’ interest in conservation . . . It was a remarkable display of youthful understanding and environmental passion,” added Poultney.

Future plans

In follow-up engagements with Roving Reporters, Ziane and other prize winners expressed interest taking part in follow-up initiatives proposed by the SuperScientists and Write Away Magazine, a voice for young African writers.
To date, the SuperScientists programme has reimagined more than 60 scientists as superheroes to educate and inspire young people about the power and importance of science.

More recently, as part of the Khetha 2024 Story Project, SuperScientists profiled Kruger wildlife veterinarian Dr Lufuno Netshitavhadulu. Social media promotions of the profile of Netshitavhadulu reached an audience of more than 17,000 on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. He also features on more than a hundred posters being distributed through Kruger National Park’s education programmes, alongside “trading cards” that give insight into his work.

“We were really excited extend our programme into the Greater Kruger,” said Justin Yarrow, the founding director of CodeMakers which drives the SuperScientists programme.

In his SuperScientists profile, Netshitavhadulu, states: “I’m someone who is driven by adrenaline, so when I first started doing rhino dehorning, I really enjoyed it. I did 100s in the first year – riding in the helicopter and running in the bush.”

Saving the lives of animals trapped in snares has since become the most rewarding aspect of his work, says Netshitavhadulu. Of all the animals he has saved, hyenas have become his favourite.

“They’ve got a huge space in my heart.”

His top tip to young learners:

“We always want to stay in our comfort zone and not want to do the difficult stuff. Nothing is easy and nothing is impossible, you just need to put some work into it and believe in yourself.”

Yarrow now plans to link up with Write Away Magazine and Roving Reporters to develop on the success of the SAWC’s Voices of Future Conservation Leaders writing competition.

“Wildlife conservation, climate change, and other environmental issues are at the forefront for many young people,” said Yarrow. “Over the forthcoming December holidays we want to give school learners the opportunity to share their ideas and concerns, and do so in a way that lets loose all that creativity in them. We hope to get many different types of submissions – art, writing, poetry and more – and share their ideas across multiple platforms.”

“Write Away has already started engaging with the Voices of Future Conservation Leaders prize winners,” said Write Away editor Nyameko Bottoman. “And they are keen to take part”.

“What I liked the most was getting the chance to meet other people who also want to improve their writing skills and English,” said Mdluli. “Taking part in similar writing projects, will surely bring out the best in me.” – Roving Reporters

The Khetha 2024 Story Project is supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WFF) and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Sources: Roving Reporters – Supplied 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

Khetha Outreach, Khetha Outreach, Khetha Outreach and Khetha Outreach.

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In a daring rescue operation, snake enthusiasts Jason Arnold and Nick Evans ventured beneath a busy road in KwaZulu-Natal to save three Southern African pythons.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (11 October 2024) – KwaZulu-Natal snake enthusiast Jason Arnold dropped everything and headed straight to his “Snake Man Machine” when he received a call about three Southern African pythons that were spotted near a busy roadside.

Handling three pythons is no small job, which prompted Arnold to get some assistance from fellow snake rescuer Nick Evans.

In a video, the trained handlers, Arnold and Evans are seen at the scene where construction workers were working near a busy road when they saw the snakes in question.

Although they couldn’t find the snakes, the brave men returned the following day to continue the search for the serpents as they were in a place where their safety was greatly compromised.

After numerous and tiresome efforts, including the assistance of a TLB to dig the ground to better access the snakes, the rescuers eventually spotted the anxious snakes nestled underground before they safely removed them.

“This was such an awesome rescue to be involved in! A strange place to find pythons. The construction workers had spotted the two small males and a larger female.

“The rescue required a lot of patience, and then a lot of hard work. But it was so, so worth it,” said Evans who assured that snakes were released in a safer habitat.

Sources: Jason Arnold / Nick Evans

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Africa’s only penguin needs our help. But why are these seabirds facing extinction and what can we actually do to give them a boost? Is there anything? The answer is yes! Here’s what you need to know:

Cape Town, South Africa (10 October 2024) — With International African Penguin Awareness Day celebrated just yesterday, African Penguins are front of mind for many South Africans. But, we do have many questions. Are the measures attempting to protect the seabird from extinction effective? Or do they need a boost? Is enough being done? And how can we, as the public, actually make an effective change?

Need to Knows

• The species has already lost 97% of its population
• African Penguins are down to less than 10,000 breeding pairs
• Estimations point to its extinction in the wild as soon as 2035

What’s Caused This?

The African penguin has faced numerous threats. But, a primary cause of the seabird’s decline is a lack of available food due to competition from commercial purse-seine small—pelagic fishing around its breeding colonies.

As CEO of Blue Marine, Clare Brook puts it succinctly:

“It would be a tragedy if we lost these wonderful iconic birds. And all because of greedy, thoughtless overfishing.”

What Are The Measures in Place to Fix The Penguin’s Plight?

Currently, no-take zones do exist (spots where fishing is prohibited to help restore fish populations for the penguins’ food source), but research by ornithologists has found that these zones are ineffective for penguin conservation.

Based on a recent study that evaluated different no-take zone scenarios around six major penguin colonies (that together support 76% of the global African Penguin population), it has been found that the majority of no-take zones are problematic. This is because they reportedly only restrict fishing in less than 50% of the penguins’ main feeding areas—meaning that the areas counting the most are not being protected effectively.

This essentially means that fisheries are still benefiting while the penguins suffer—not exactly great for the mood in the world of penguin conservation.

Giving Protective Measures a Boost

Scientists, including BirdLife South Africa’s Dr Alistair McInnes and the University of Exeter’s Dr Richard Sherley, have recommended alternative and achievable limits that provide better prospects for the penguins that won’t cause disproportionately high costs to the purse-seine fishing industry.

So, the main matter is one of litigation.

SANCCOB and BirdLife South Africa have united to take legal action to enforce greater protection of the species. The two non-profits instituted against the office of the South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to challenge the Minister’s ‘biologically meaningless’ island closures to purse-seine fishing around key African Penguin colonies.

Essentially, the legal work is trying to change the no-take zones for alternative zones that are better aligned to the important feeding areas.

These alternatives would hopefully give penguins a boost, reducing feeding competition and allowing fish stocks to be replenished!

In line with this SANCCOB, BirdLife South Africa and the Blue Marine Foundation recently launched a campaign focused on saving the African Penguin. A big part of it is a petition calling on the South African government to make the change! You can sign the petition here.

Ocean Heroes Unite

International action is needed from marine life lovers and ocean heroes around the world. South African free diver and social activist Zandi Ndhlovu (Zandi the Mermaid), for one, has launched an initiative to highlight the plight of the African Penguin in support of the petition and is the narrator of the new campaign video.

As Zandi says: “I urge the international community to sign our petition today to create a catalyst for immediate action—the South African government needs to take action now, before Africa’s only penguin is lost forever.”

Sources: Supplied

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An orphan, Duiker, who was rescued from a bush fire, has spent many months being cared for. Now, she’s finally gone to her new home, where she’ll thrive in the wild!

Wartburg, South Africa (10 October 2024) — A little Grey Duiker who had a very rocky start has set off on her biggest adventure yet—travelling to her new home.

An orphan who was rescued from a blazing bush fire, the young Duiker has spent over six months in the care of the FreeMe Wildlife team.

FreeMe Wildlife is a wildlife trauma and rehabilitation centre based in Howick, which has been imperative to many rescue and rehabilitation success stories like the African Harrier Hawk, who made a remarkable recovery. Not to mention, they are also the team that helped several tortoises get to go back to their natural home as part of the Tortoise Project.

Regardless of whether an animal has feathers, a shell or little hooves, FreeMe Wildlife is always ready to offer a helping hand. In the case of the little Duiker, her release was a big day for the entire team.

As FreeMe Wildlife explain:

“Grey Duiker particularly make us proud because they are initially, of all the antelope, the most tricky to adjust to hand rearing due to their secretive and highly stressed nature. The team works very hard to care for these orphans and stimulate an environment where they can thrive.”

From coming into their centre at just 2.8kg to growing up into a strong girl ready to take on her new home back in the wild at Fountainhill Estate (an environmental conservation organisation based in Wartburg), the Duiker’s story is now in its most exciting chapter!

Sources: FreeMe Wildlife 

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Cape Town-based photographer Jay Caboz’ ‘Slaapstad’ has earned second place in the Epson International Pano Awards!

Global (08 October 2024) — Cape Town-based photographer Jay Caboz’ photograph ‘Slaapstad’ has earned a proud place in the Epson International Pano Awards—the world’s largest photographic competition dedicated to the part of panoramic photography.

Many have enjoyed Cape Town’s natural fog show, where the famous foggy ‘Table Cloth’ dresses Table Mountain, and the city is seemingly tucked in by Mother Nature’s blanket. But few have seen the view from a great height, let alone captured it.

Jay took a gorgeous series of shots starring Lion’s Head, glittering city lights and dream-like hues adorning the sky as the fog rolled in and onward.

His praised photograph, ‘Slaapstad’ feels like peering into a Romanticism era painter’s fever-dream. The lone ranger atop a peak, the rush of the fog like a waterfall and the breathtaking palette of sky all work so seamlessly together, it feels as if each element were in cahoots with the others.

It’s easy to understand how out of the thousands of entries (over 4,000 at that, as Jay shares), this photo would climb to the second overall place and earn gold in the Built Environment Category! Additionally, another photo dubbed ‘Icarus’ is also placed highly in silver.

Meanwhile, in other epic photography news, a portrait of a Kruger lion—whose eye looks as if the universe itself lies beneath it—has won an impressive photography competition category! Take a look here.

Sources: Jay Caboz 

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A heartwarming photo of a baby rhino being flown to safety in a helicopter has gone viral, capturing the world’s attention and offering a powerful reminder of the tireless efforts to protect South Africa’s vulnerable wildlife.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (06 October 2024) – A photo of a baby rhino being flown to safety in a helicopter has recently gone viral, reminding us of the everyday heroes who work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable creatures in our world.

The image captures Dr Rowan Leeming, a dedicated veterinarian, tenderly holding the back of the baby rhino, offering much-needed comfort during a moment of immense vulnerability.

Rhino poaching remains a tragic and widespread issue in South Africa, with devastating consequences for the rhino population. This ruthless act leaves behind a trail of destruction, and most heartbreaking of all, it often leaves behind orphans—baby rhinos who have witnessed their mother’s brutal deaths. These innocent animals are left to fend for themselves in an unforgiving environment, robbed of the care, protection, and love their mothers once provided. The emotional toll on anyone who encounters these orphaned animals is profound, knowing that these little ones have experienced unimaginable trauma at such a young age.

A young male calf weighing just 105 kg and only six weeks old was recently found stranded and distressed near his mother’s poached carcass in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. A team from African Wildlife Vets, a nonprofit organization devoted to the conservation and protection of African wildlife, quickly devised a rescue mission.

African Wildlife Vets play an essential role in wildlife preservation, providing specialised veterinary support to protect and care for endangered animals across the continent. They’ve dedicated their work to saving rhinos, elephants, and other vulnerable species from poaching, disease, and habitat loss. Their mission is simple but powerful: to preserve Africa’s wildlife for future generations.

The team, including Dr Rowan Leeming, a section ranger, and a pilot from Heligistix named Orton Bosman, had originally set out to conduct a disease-testing operation on buffalo. However, their mission took an unexpected turn when they stumbled upon the heart-wrenching scen

e of the orphaned baby rhino. With the calf too young and fragile to survive alone in the wild, the team acted swiftly to immobilise him and load him carefully into a helicopter. The calf was flown to a Rhino Orphanage, where he was immediately given life-saving treatment, including a drip to rehydrate him and rhino plasma to boost his immune system.

Although this heartwarming story took place in October 2022, the recent surge of attention it has received continues to stir emotions around the globe. The image of Dr Leeming offering comfort to the scared little rhino has resonated deeply with people, showcasing the compassion and dedication of those who work tirelessly to save these endangered animals.

A poignant reminder that even in the face of immense tragedy, there is hope and goodness to be found.

The calf is now under the care of the experienced team at the Rhino Orphanage, where he receives around-the-clock attention and care until he is strong enough to be released back into the wild. The orphanage team is committed to ensuring his well-being and giving him the chance to grow up safely, far from the dangers of poachers.

The operation was made possible through the support of organisations like African Wildlife Vets and Blankets for Baby Rhinos, who funded the emergency helicopter flight that saved this young rhino’s life.

In a global poaching crisis, sometimes all it takes is one viral image to remind us of the good that still exists in the world.

Sources: African Wildlife Vets 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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