Friends of Free Wildlife Welcomes Adorable Nyala Calf "Rimmy"

Photo Credit: Supplied by Friends of Free Wildlife

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.