We have some very happy news to share. Two of our rhino orphans, Nandi and Storm, who are part of our adoption programme at Zululand Rhino Orphanage, are ready to return to a life in the wild.

This is a very proud time for all of us at Helping Rhinos and Zululand Rhino Orphanage. The support for Nandi and Storm through our rhino adoption programme has made it possible for our wonderful team of carers to rehabilitate these rhino orphans, allowing them to return to their natural habitat. 

FROM A TOUGH START…

Nandi and Storm had a tough start in life, both losing their Mums at a very young age. Arriving at the orphanage within a month of each other in 2015, the two little orphans soon became inseparable and found comfort together.

Nandi, a female black rhino calf whose mother had been poached, was found in a very weak and dehydrated state. But she showed incredible spirit and put up a brave fight for survival. Gradually she settled in and started responding to expert nursing and care.

Tiny Storm, a two and half month old male black rhino calf, was found wandering alone in the bush in poor condition. But his journey to survival was only just beginning. A severe parasitic infestation resulting in aspiration pneumonia, along with nausea, lack of appetite and weight loss nearly cost him his life. After long hours and lots of intensive care Storm stabilized and started to gain weight.

Over time, their dedicated carers watched as they grew bigger and stronger, showing amazing character and will to survive and there was hope that they would eventually return to the wild, where they belong.

 

…TO UNTHINKABLE TRAGEDY

Unbelievably, in February 2017, the orphanage suffered a brutal attack by rhino poachers. Two other little orphans were shot and killed for their horns and their carers assaulted. Nandi and Storm along with the other orphans who survived the attack needed to be moved to a safe location.

In March 2017 at the age of 18 months old, Nandi and Storm were moved to the Zululand Rhino Orphanage, a secure facility provided by the Zululand Conservation Trust.

After the devastating attack it took a while for them to settle, but in time young Nandi and Storm became confident and loved their new home, a beautiful, natural enclosure which allowed them to browse freely and start their re-wilding journey.

FINALLY, A WILD RETURN

Just over a year later, the time had come for the 32-month-old orphans to return to the wild. They had come a long way, from tiny, vulnerable, scared little babies to healthy, confident, beautiful teenagers.

In May 2018 the gate between their boma and the game reserve was opened. The two rhinos were understandably nervous at first but after a few days of standing at the gap in the fence they plucked up the courage and walked free. It was an extremely proud and emotional moment for everyone involved in their upbringing.

 

OUR SUPPORTERS CONTINUE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Adoptions of Nandi and Storm will continue to make a positive difference. The team at Zululand Rhino Orphanage will track and monitor both rhinos daily, as both have been fitted with foot collars, to see how they are adapting to their new environment. This will help to keep them as safe as possible from poachers and the threat from other rhinos in their new territory. 

Monitoring them is incredibly important to ensure the long-term success of Nandi and Storm's release and we thank all our adoptees for their continued support and for being part of their exciting next chapter.

You can still adopt Nandi or Storm to help keep them safe in the wild, or you can adopt any of our other rhino orphans by clicking the button below.

Adopt a rhino orphan

You can read about the other orphans at the orphanage here.

Watch the video of Nandi and Storm's life so far: